During the NITI Aayog meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized the need for special policies tailored to the unique challenges faced by Himalayan states. Representing Uttarakhand, he highlighted the state`s efforts in contributing to Prime Minister Modi`s vision of a developed India.

Chief Minister Dhami expressed gratitude for the special financial provisions included in this year`s Union Budget, acknowledging Uttarakhand`s vulnerability to natural disasters. He proudly noted that Uttarakhand has achieved the top position in the recently released Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, reflecting the state`s commitment to sustainable development.

Under the Prime Minister`s guidance, Uttarakhand has passed the `Uniform Civil Code` Bill. Addressing the critical issue of water scarcity in many Indian cities, Chief Minister Dhami underscored the importance of water conservation and groundwater recharge. He detailed the efforts of the Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority in Uttarakhand, which focuses on conserving water sources and linking snow-fed rivers with rain-fed ones. He called for special financial assistance and technical support from the Central Government to bolster these initiatives.

Chief Minister Dhami also highlighted the need to promote entrepreneurship in rural areas through cluster-based incubation and growth centers. Uttarakhand has established two rural incubation centers and 110 growth centers as part of a pilot project. He requested technical and financial support from the Central Government to expand these centers.

To address energy shortages, the Chief Minister urged the approval and implementation of hydropower projects under 25 MW capacity in the states. He also advocated for a 24 percent capital subsidy for small hydropower projects in both northeastern and Himalayan states and requested the inclusion of lift irrigation in the `PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana` guidelines.

Recognizing the pressing issues of global warming and climate change, Chief Minister Dhami stressed the importance of balancing development with ecological preservation. He mentioned that Uttarakhand has initiated the issuance of Gross Environmental Product (GEP) metrics alongside GDP.

The Chief Minister proposed the development of `counter magnet areas` to ease the pressure on urban centers and enhance employment opportunities. He highlighted the significance of AI and quantum readiness for research, development, and innovation to achieve a developed India by 2047.

Chief Minister Dhami concluded by urging the Central Government to implement specific policies for Himalayan states, referencing proposals from the previous NITI Aayog meeting.

Himalayan Live Bureau

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