Dehradun, Feb 12 (NationPress) Uttarakhand's Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has greenlit numerous significant development initiatives aimed at bolstering pilgrimage infrastructure, enhancing provisions for the forthcoming Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra-2026, upgrading educational establishments, and paying homage to a freedom fighter in Pauri Garhwal district.

In a pivotal step to improve pilgrimage facilities, the Chief Minister has authorized Rs 2.13 crore for the enhancement and expansion of helipad infrastructure at Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham.

Of the total funding, Rs 1.74 crore has been allocated for the expansion of the helipad platform and the enhancement of the access road at the permanent helipad managed by the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) in Badrinath Dham, situated in the Joshimath block.

Additionally, Rs 39.40 lakh has been approved for safety upgrades at the helipad near Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam in Kedarnath Dham.

These upgrades are anticipated to bolster connectivity, safety, and convenience for pilgrims traveling to these revered Himalayan shrines.

With preparations ramping up for the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra-2026, Chief Minister Dhami has also sanctioned Rs 4.60 crore for establishing parking facilities and rest houses at various pivotal stops along the yatra route.

Key allocations include:

Rs 71.67 lakh for a parking area (capacity: eight four-wheelers) and a rest house at the Shaheed Bhawani Dutt Inter College campus in Chopadyon (Tharali block).

Rs 1.14 crore for parking (63 four-wheelers and nine two-wheelers), as well as two restrooms and toilets at Janata Inter College in Sarkot (Dewal block).

Rs 42.39 lakh for surface parking (37 four-wheelers and 48 two-wheelers) at Nauti (Karnaprayag block).

Rs 79.56 lakh for surface parking (94 four-wheelers) at Magoti (Narayan Bagar block).

Rs 64.23 lakh for surface parking (43 four-wheelers) at Kansuwa (Karnaprayag block).

Rs 5.51 lakh for temporary parking (89 four-wheelers) near the Government Polytechnic at Kulsari along the Tharali-Gwaldam Motor Road.

Further approvals include:

Rs 33.65 lakh for permanent surface parking (30 cars) at Kanol village (Nandnagar block).

Rs 18.30 lakh for temporary surface parking (13 cars) at Aala village.

Rs 31.03 lakh for permanent surface parking (28 cars) at Ramni village.

These initiatives aim to facilitate smooth traffic management, sufficient parking, and enhanced amenities for devotees taking part in the grand Himalayan pilgrimage.

Moreover, Chief Minister Dhami has approved Rs 2.03 crore for repair and maintenance endeavors at the Government Ashram Method Upper Primary School in Bidaura and the Government Ashram Method Girls' Upper Primary School at Khatima in Udham Singh Nagar district.

For the Bidaura school, allocations encompass: Rs 83.99 lakh for constructing a boundary wall, Rs 33.75 lakh for hostel repairs, Rs 28.20 lakh for residential building repairs, and Rs 24.21 lakh for maintaining the teaching building.

In a similar vein, Rs 15.39 lakh and Rs 17.30 lakh have been sanctioned for various repair and maintenance tasks at the Government Ashram Method Girls' School in Khatima.

These efforts are designed to enhance infrastructure, safety, and living conditions for students in residential educational facilities.

As a gesture of respect for the nation's freedom struggle, Chief Minister Dhami has sanctioned the renaming of the Nodkhal–Malakot Motor Road (rural road) in Yamkeshwar block of Pauri Garhwal district after freedom fighter Mehtab Singh.

This decision honors his contributions to India's independence movement and preserves his legacy for future generations.