Development – Scientific Review Stresses Eco Balance in Badrinath Project
Development – A detailed scientific assessment of environmental stability during the Badrinath Corridor Development Project was presented to senior officials in Dehradun on Thursday, highlighting the need to safeguard the fragile Himalayan ecosystem while advancing infrastructure work.
Scientific Review Submitted to Chief Secretary
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) shared their findings with Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, outlining measures to preserve ecological balance amid ongoing construction activities linked to the Badrinath Corridor initiative. The study examined environmental sensitivities in the region and emphasized the importance of data-driven planning to prevent long-term ecological stress.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary underscored that scientific evaluations are increasingly vital, particularly in a hill state like Uttarakhand where development projects often intersect with delicate natural systems. He noted that growth and environmental protection must move forward together, adding that such technical assessments would be applied wherever necessary. He also instructed officials to verify survey results and ensure that recommendations are carefully implemented.
The Badrinath Corridor Development Project aims to improve infrastructure and accessibility in the pilgrimage town, but authorities have maintained that environmental safeguards remain central to the execution strategy.
Army Commander Meets Chief Minister
On the same day, Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command, paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at his official residence. While details of the meeting were not publicly elaborated, such interactions typically involve discussions on coordination, regional security, and civil-military cooperation in strategically significant hill regions.
Uttarakhand’s terrain and proximity to international borders make regular coordination between state authorities and the armed forces an important administrative practice.
Development Projects Launched in Tehri
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami later travelled to Tehri Garhwal, where he participated in inauguration and foundation-laying ceremonies for multiple public projects. In Ghansali, he announced and initiated works collectively valued at Rs 41.21 crore.
The package includes three completed projects worth Rs 13.43 crore that were formally inaugurated, along with five new projects amounting to Rs 27.78 crore for which foundation stones were laid. These initiatives are expected to strengthen local infrastructure and enhance public services in the region.
During the event, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation for upgrading the Primary Health Centre in Pilkhi into a Community Health Centre, a move aimed at improving access to healthcare in remote hill areas. He publicly acknowledged and honoured Krishna Gairola and his family for donating land to support the hospital expansion, describing their contribution as a significant step toward community welfare.
Focus on Timely Completion and Basic Services
Speaking at the ceremony, Dhami stressed that projects announced by the government must not remain incomplete or face unnecessary delays. He assured that the administration would monitor progress to ensure timely execution and inauguration.
He reiterated that the state government’s priorities include strengthening roads, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions in mountainous districts. According to him, focused planning and firm resolve can help overcome limitations posed by geography and resource constraints.
The push for improved connectivity and social infrastructure is seen as part of the broader development roadmap for Uttarakhand, particularly in rural and high-altitude regions where accessibility challenges often slow economic progress.
Meeting with Governor at Raj Bhavan
Later in the day, the Chief Minister called on Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) at Lok Bhavan. The meeting included discussions on ongoing development initiatives across the state as well as other current administrative matters.
Officials indicated that such consultations form part of regular governance procedures, allowing the constitutional head of the state to remain informed about key policy decisions and infrastructure plans.
Thursday’s series of meetings and project announcements reflected the state administration’s parallel focus on environmental responsibility and regional development, particularly in ecologically sensitive Himalayan zones.