Uttarakhand CM Meets FM Nirmala Sitharaman, Seeks Approval for Major Uttarakhand Infrastructure Projects
Focus on Urban Drainage, Water Supply, Power, and Climate Resilience Projects to Strengthen Uttarakhand’s Development
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Thursday to discuss several key initiatives aimed at strengthening Uttarakhand’s infrastructure and public services.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Dhami congratulated the Finance Minister on the successful implementation of GST reforms and expressed gratitude for the support extended to Uttarakhand by the Union Finance Ministry.
Highlighting the growing population pressure in urban areas, Dhami emphasized the need for robust stormwater drainage systems in Uttarakhand, an ecologically sensitive state prone to heavy rainfall. The state has prepared Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for upgrading drainage systems in the ten most rain-affected districts, with a total estimated cost of ₹8,589.47 crore. He requested approval for these projects under the Special Assistance to States Scheme for Capital Investment.
The Chief Minister also sought early approval for Externally Aided Projects (EAPs). While the Uttarakhand Climate Resilience Development Project has already been approved, proposals for the Public Financial Management Strengthening Project (₹850 crore) and a project to streamline the water supply system (₹800 crore) are pending.
Further, Dhami requested the expedited approval of four additional major projects for the 2023-24 to 2025-26 financial years, including:
- Water and Sanitation Urban Infrastructure Development Project – ₹2,000 crore
- DRIP-III Project – ₹424 crore
- Uttarakhand Climate Resilient Intra-State Power Transmission System Development – ₹3,638 crore
- Uttarakhand Power Distribution Reliability Improvement Project – ₹1,566 crore
The Chief Minister noted that these projects will significantly enhance urban infrastructure, water management, energy systems, and public service delivery in the state.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman assured full cooperation and support for the state’s development initiatives.
