CM Dhami Raises Issues of Drainage, Seeks Urgent National Support

In a determined and solution-focused address during the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami raised urgent concerns surrounding the state’s rapidly worsening drainage infrastructure. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, offered a platform for CM Dhami to passionately advocate for a national-level strategy to address critical environmental and urban challenges faced by hill states.

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CM Dhami Raises Issues of Drainage with Strong Appeal

CM Dhami raised issues of drainage with clarity and urgency, pointing to the growing burden of rapid urbanization on Uttarakhand’s fragile urban systems. He urged the Centre to formulate a comprehensive and sustainable drainage policy, one that is tailored specifically to the unique topographical and climatic conditions of hill states.

“The existing urban drainage infrastructure is failing under the weight of population growth and unplanned construction. We need a modern and resilient drainage policy that considers the steep terrain and heavy monsoons our cities face,” said CM Dhami.

He emphasized that poor drainage not only affects public health and sanitation but also weakens the state’s ecological balance, leading to landslides, waterlogging, and degradation of civic life.

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Call for Inclusion of Lift Irrigation in Central Schemes

Alongside drainage, CM Dhami also drew attention to the state’s agriculture sector, particularly in its hilly regions where only 10% of land is currently under irrigation. He called for the inclusion of lift irrigation projects under the central Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).

“Traditional irrigation methods are inadequate for our mountainous terrain. Including lift irrigation under PMKSY would enable more equitable access to water and empower our rural farmers to boost productivity,” Dhami said.

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Innovative Water Management for Long-Term Sustainability

Dhami informed the NITI Aayog members about Uttarakhand’s initiatives in water conservation. Among them is a pioneering effort to interlink glacier-fed and rain-fed rivers, in addition to constructing check dams, micro-reservoirs, and other rainwater harvesting structures.

These projects aim to optimize the use of natural water sources while preventing flood damage and water scarcity—issues that are directly connected to the drainage challenges he outlined.

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CM Dhami Raises Issues of Drainage in Light of Upcoming Events

Another key point in CM Dhami’s presentation was the need for urgent drainage infrastructure upgrades ahead of major religious and cultural events in the state. With the Maa Nanda Raj Jat Yatra scheduled for 2026 and the Haridwar Kumbh Mela in 2027, the Chief Minister sought early and robust support from the central government.

He stressed that inadequate drainage could cause chaos during these mass gatherings, affecting not only the devotees but also the image of the state and the country.

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Harnessing Youth Potential and Driving Development

While CM Dhami raised issues of drainage as a critical urban concern, he also turned the conversation toward economic growth and development. Highlighting the youth-driven demographic advantage of the state, he called for enhanced entrepreneurship and self-employment initiatives in rural and semi-urban areas.

He said the government is already working on multiple fronts to empower young people and foster inclusive development that aligns with the state’s natural and social fabric.

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Strong Fiscal Discipline and Development Outcomes

CM Dhami proudly shared that Uttarakhand’s economy has grown by nearly 1.5 times over the last three years. He credited this to consistent fiscal discipline and reforms in governance. The state has also received high rankings in sustainable development and good governance indices.

In keeping with this progress, the state is also preparing to launch a geothermal energy policy to diversify energy sources and reduce its carbon footprint.

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Final Word: CM Dhami Raises Issues of Drainage as a National Concern

The speech by CM Dhami was not only a regional appeal but also a national wake-up call. By raising issues of drainage at such a prestigious forum, he has brought attention to a problem that affects many hill states but is often overlooked in broader policy discussions.

His call for a dedicated, top-down policy on drainage, along with enhanced irrigation and infrastructure support, reflects a vision for sustainable, inclusive, and disaster-resilient development in Uttarakhand.

As India pushes forward on its development path, voices like CM Dhami’s ensure that the unique needs of every state—particularly those with complex terrain and growing populations—are not just heard but acted upon.