Uttarakhand CM Calls On Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, Seeks Cantonment Merger And Disaster Support Waivers

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Tuesday and held detailed discussions on key issues concerning the development and strategic needs of the state.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Dhami urged the Union Defence Minister to merge the Ranikhet and Lansdowne Cantonment areas with their respective municipalities. He emphasized that this move would significantly boost infrastructure development, tourism, and public amenities in these historically significant regions.

The Chief Minister also requested approval for the use of military helipads at Dharchula and Joshimath under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) to improve air connectivity in remote and border areas.

In a significant appeal related to disaster management, Dhami requested the waiver of fees charged by the Indian Air Force for its services rendered during relief and rescue operations in Uttarakhand. He stressed that such a waiver would enhance the state’s ability to respond effectively to natural calamities in this disaster-prone region.

Highlighting the cultural and religious significance of the upcoming Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra in 2026, the Chief Minister also sought continued maintenance of the Tharali Dewal-Mundoli-Vaan motor road by the Public Works Department. The route, via Gwaldam and Nandkesari, is vital for the pilgrimage, which takes place once every 12 years and is deeply rooted in the spiritual traditions of Uttarakhand.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured the Chief Minister of positive and prompt consideration of all the proposals.