Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday, June 15, 2026, inaugurated a modern science museum at the district headquarters of Pauri Garhwal and launched the Kandoliya Mahotsav at Ramlila Maidan during an official visit to the district. He also unveiled and laid the foundation stones of 19 development projects worth ₹110.55 crore for the region.

What Happened

During his district tour, CM Dhami inaugurated the modern science museum, which features interactive models, scientific demonstrations, and exhibits covering science, space, energy, environment, and technological innovation. Students from various schools presented the exhibits to the Chief Minister, who participated enthusiastically in several demonstrations. He remarked that 'ऐसे विज्ञान संग्रहालय बच्चों में जिज्ञासा, अनुसंधान की भावना और वैज्ञानिक दृष्टिकोण विकसित करने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाते हैं' [such science museums play a vital role in developing curiosity, a spirit of inquiry, and a scientific outlook in children].

Following the museum visit, CM Dhami offered prayers at Kandoliya Temple and then proceeded to Ramlila Maidan to formally launch the Kandoliya Mahotsav. He announced that the festival would henceforth be developed as a state-level festival (राजकीय महोत्सव), calling it a powerful platform to give new recognition to Uttarakhand's rich cultural heritage, folk traditions, and youth talent.

Context

Of the 19 development projects worth ₹110.55 crore, 14 were foundation-stone layings (shilanyas) and 5 were inaugurations (lokarpaṇ). CM Dhami said these projects would strengthen basic infrastructure and bring positive change to the lives of ordinary residents. He specifically mentioned projects in the Pauri and Srinagar belt, including the state's first NCC Academy, an NIT campus, a Ganga Sanskriti Kendra, the Singtali Bridge, widening of the Pauri-Srinagar road, a lake, a driving test track, and sports infrastructure.

The Kandoliya Mahotsav is a local cultural festival associated with the Kandoliya Temple in Pauri. Its elevation to state-level status signals the government's intent to mainstream regional Garhwali traditions and drive cultural tourism in the hill districts.

Policy Backdrop

CM Dhami invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, stating that Uttarakhand is advancing on the twin tracks of development and heritage. He cited the Char Dham Yatra as setting new records, with lakhs of pilgrims having visited so far this season. He listed several ongoing state initiatives: House of Himalayas, the Ek Janpad-Do Utpad (One District Two Products) scheme, Millet Mission, a new tourism and film policy, self-employment schemes, and the Homestay Yojana.

On the legislative front, the Chief Minister reiterated that the state has enacted what he described as the country's strictest anti-cheating law to protect youth interests in competitive examinations. He also referenced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), anti-conversion law, anti-riot law, and a strict land law as measures to protect Uttarakhand's Sanatan culture and social harmony.

Stakeholders and Impact

Students across Pauri Garhwal stand to benefit most directly from the science museum, which provides hands-on exposure to scientific principles in a region where such facilities have historically been limited. The museum's interactive format — covering space, energy, environment, and technology — is designed to build scientific temperament among school-going children.

Local residents, traders, and artisans are expected to gain from the infrastructure projects, while the elevation of Kandoliya Mahotsav to state status could draw tourists and generate livelihoods tied to cultural events and homestays. The NCC Academy and NIT campus projects, once completed, would expand educational and defence-training opportunities for youth from the Garhwal hills.

What's Next

The rollout timelines and employment impact of all 19 schemes worth ₹110.55 crore will be closely watched, particularly the NCC Academy and NIT campus, which could reshape higher education and youth career pathways in the district. The first edition of the upgraded Kandoliya Mahotsav as a state-level event will be a test of the government's capacity to institutionalise Garhwali cultural traditions at scale. Budget allocations and implementation timelines for the Pauri-Srinagar road widening and the Singtali Bridge will determine how quickly the region's connectivity improves.