Gauchar, Uttarakhand. The 72nd Gauchar Industrial Development and Cultural Fair was inaugurated on Thursday by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. At the opening ceremony, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the newly constructed Sub-Divisional Transport Office in Chamoli, built at a cost of ₹4.93 crore. During the event, he announced several development initiatives, including road projects, construction for the Chamoli Press Club, and a high-level meeting in December to plan for infrastructure development ahead of the upcoming Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra.
Addressing a large gathering, Chief Minister Dhami praised Gauchar Fair, highlighting it as a unique confluence of culture, commerce, and industry. He noted that the fair has been a source of pride for the state for over seven decades, providing a platform for various government departments to participate actively. He emphasized the significance of fairs in preserving traditions and fostering community bonds, stating that Gauchar Fair also serves as a major cultural and commercial venue.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to curbing migration from the hills by boosting tourism and creating employment opportunities. He mentioned that Uttarakhand has emerged as a popular destination for film shoots and weddings, while efforts are ongoing to promote investments in wellness, IT, and solar energy. Dhami also mentioned the recent launch of helicopter services in Gauchar, which will enhance tourism and offer emergency support during natural disasters.
In his speech, Dhami expressed his vision for Uttarakhand as a leading state in India and assured people that he would work tirelessly towards this goal. He also lauded the district administration for organizing the fair in a grand and attractive manner.
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During the event, senior journalist Kranti Bhatt was awarded the Pt. Govind Prasad Nautiyal Smriti Samman for his contributions to journalism, while Shri Guru Ram Rai Education Mission, Dehradun, received the Pt. Maheshanand Nautiyal Smriti Samman for contributions to education and literature.
The opening day of the fair featured traditional ceremonies, including the worship of Ishta Rawal deity and a morning procession by schoolchildren. The Mela Adhyaksh hoisted the flag, followed by a parade. Various activities, such as boys’ and girls’ races, Nehru painting competitions, infant exhibitions, and cultural performances by educational institutions, were held. A district-level volleyball competition also began under the sports department. In the evening, folk artists Sushil Rajshree, Amati Khare, and Anjali Khare performed at the fair’s first cultural night. The traditional pavilion showcasing the hill culture has become a major attraction for visitors.
Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Bhatt and Cabinet Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s developmental efforts, stating that Uttarakhand is progressing rapidly under Dhami’s leadership.
Regional MLA Anil Nautiyal welcomed the Chief Minister and expressed gratitude for various development projects in the Karnaprayag Assembly, including approval for a base hospital, a ₹35 crore water scheme, a mini stadium, and the upgrade of Gauchar Hospital. Nautiyal also submitted a proposal for several other development projects, including the construction of a path to the Uma Devi Temple in Karnaprayag.
The event was attended by former Cabinet Minister Rajendra Bhandari, BJP District President Ramesh Maikhuri, Minister of State Ramesh Gadiya, Block Chief Chandreshwari Rawat, IG Garhwal K.S. Nagnyal, District Magistrate and Mela Adhyaksh Sandeep Tiwari, Superintendent of Police Sarvesh Panwar, Chief Development Officer Nandan Kumar, Mela Officer Santosh Kumar Pandey, and a large number of attendees.
