On Uttarakhand’s foundation day, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that his government would prioritize the nine requests made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These requests, aimed at both locals and tourists, will serve as a cornerstone for the state’s development plans, ensuring that they guide future progress, Dhami said.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his concerns about the preservation of the state’s languages, such as Garhwali, Kumauni, and Jaunsari, and highlighted the issue of migration. He also encouraged people to preserve their cultural identity by teaching these dialects to younger generations. The state government, under Dhami’s leadership, has committed to making these nine requests a central part of its policies.
In his video message marking Uttarakhand’s Silver Jubilee year, PM Modi also made several appeals to the residents and visitors of the state. He urged the locals to plant a tree in honor of their mothers to combat climate change and conserve water sources. Additionally, Modi encouraged people to visit villages regularly and transform old homes into “home stays” to generate extra income. These measures are aimed at enhancing the local economy and fostering environmental sustainability.
Modi also directed his attention to the increasing number of tourists visiting Uttarakhand. He urged them to avoid single-use plastic in the Himalayas, spend at least 5 percent of their travel budget on local products under the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative, and adhere to traffic rules while respecting the sanctity of pilgrimage sites.
The Uttarakhand government, committed to implementing these initiatives, aims to strengthen both the local community and the environment. The state’s tourism sector has seen significant growth, with nearly 30 million visitors expected in 2023, marking a 61.79 percent increase from 2018.
