Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized the need for public cooperation and awareness to address issues like forced religious conversions and demographic changes. Speaking at the Viksit Uttarakhand @ 2047 collective dialogue program with ex-servicemen held in Garhi Cantt, he said legal complaints and community alertness are vital for the effective implementation of strict laws.
The CM highlighted that the state government has already enforced strong anti-riot legislation, initiated firm action against land encroachments, and taken bold steps like implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). However, he noted that these reforms require active public participation to become truly impactful.
Veterans as Environmental Protectors
Addressing environmental efforts, CM Dhami stated that the forest department has been instructed to plant 1,000 trees in every division. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, he invited ex-servicemen to take part and become protectors of nature alongside being protectors of the nation.
He also mentioned that over 38 lakh tourists have visited Uttarakhand in just two months. Thanks to PM Modi’s support, winter tourism and the Adi Kailash Yatra have received new momentum. He further noted that the state’s unemployment rate has dropped to below 4.2%, lower than the national average. Additionally, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra duration has been reduced by seven days.
Soldiers’ Welfare Is Our Top Priority
CM Dhami warmly welcomed the attending veterans, acknowledging their bravery, dedication, and sacrifices made across India—from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, and from Kutch to Arunachal Pradesh. Being from a military family himself, he said he understands the challenges and needs of soldiers and their families firsthand.
The event was also attended by Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) A.K. Singh, Major (Retd.) K.S. Rana, Colonel Birendra Singh Rana, Brigadier Nitesh Bisht, and a large number of ex-servicemen.
