Marking three years in office in his second term, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami spoke to TOI’s Kautilya Singh on key issues including illegal encroachments and the crackdown on madrassas. Over the past few days, 110 unregistered madrassas have been sealed. The CM categorically said that “this should not be linked to any community or religion. The drive targets illegal activity and will continue”. He listed several milestones — implementation of UCC and hosting of the National Games — which he described as “historic achievements for the state”. Acknowledging that the Doon-Delhi expressway will pose significant traffic management challenges, he said measures were being taken to prevent congestion in Dehradun.
Q. Recently, the focus has been on madrassas while several other key issues also need attention.
There is nothing wrong in acting against illegal activity. Some sections of society are attempting to project that the state govt is targeting a particular community. Let me clarify — we are not against any individual or community. Anyone involved in encroachment or unlawful activities will face action. The crackdown on madrassas and other non-compliant organisations will continue until the state is free from encroachments. We will not hesitate to act firmly in cases of land jihad, love jihad and thook jihad. So far, we have reclaimed over 5,000 acres of encroached land in Uttarakhand.
Q. With the Doon-Delhi expressway nearing completion, how do you plan to manage the surge in traffic?
The expressway will reduce travel time between the two cities from 6 hours to 2.5 hours. However, it will also bring significant traffic management challenges. We expect a steep rise in vehicular inflow into Doon. To address this, we are working on a Ring Road project worth over Rs 3,500 crore. An elevated bypass is planned from Bindal to Rispna, and discussions are underway with the Centre to link this to the expressway. These projects are aimed at easing the traffic load in Dehradun.
Q. Migration remains a pressing issue despite sustained efforts.
Uttarakhand is a relatively young state, and naturally, challenges exist. But we are firmly on the path to progress. A lack of job opportunities was a major factor behind migration. In the past three years, we have provided 20,000 govt jobs to the state’s youth. We are also organising seminars for NRIs to help them stay connected with their roots. Be it solar projects, homestays, or the winter Char Dham yatra, we are creating opportunities in the hills even during off-season months. The impact of these efforts will be visible in the coming years. Our stringent anti-copying law has curbed corruption in recruitment exams, opening the door to jobs for children from economically weaker sections.
Q. What would you consider the biggest achievement in your three-year tenure?
Our greatest achievement is taking decisions where earlier govts did not even attempt. On Jan 27, Uttarakhand became the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code. It was a promise we made to the people, and they reposed their faith in us by voting for BJP. I am confident other states will follow our lead. We also hosted the national games for the first time, and not only conducted them successfully but finished seventh in the medals tally. Responding to public sentiment, we introduced a stringent land law and an anti-conversion law. Rioters damaging public or private property now face strict penalties. We also extended 30% horizontal reservation in govt jobs to women. Our policies have increased mining revenue from Rs 400–500 crore to Rs 1,100 crore annually.
Q. What are the major challenges ahead and how do you plan to address them?
Uttarakhand is disaster-prone and has seen major crises in recent years—like the Silkyara tunnel collapse, last year’s Kedar valley tragedy, and the avalanche in Mana. Our focus is on swift response, so rescue operations during disasters can proceed rapidly. Connectivity is central to this. Be it the all-weather road project, the Doon-Delhi expressway, or roadways in Kumaon, we are working to build better infrastructure. We have launched helicopter services to multiple locations and will soon have helipads at all key tourist spots. We are also recruiting more doctors and teachers to strengthen health and education systems in the hills.
Q. A record turnout is expected for Char Dham. What measures are in place for crowd control?
We have learnt from past experiences. This year, registration for the yatra started 40 days in advance. Helicopter bookings will open within a week or two. This will help us monitor daily pilgrim footfall. In case of congestion in the dhams, we have created halting points in towns like Rishikesh and Srinagar with lodging for up to 10,000 pilgrims. Two ropeway projects—from Sonprayag to Kedarnath and from Govind Ghat to Hemkund Sahib—worth Rs 7,000 crore have been approved. These will cut trekking hours down to minutes. Massive construction and redevelopment works are also underway in Kedarnath and Badrinath, which will significantly enhance the pilgrim experience.
