DM Reviews Vibrant Village Program, Proposes Major Projects for Development

DAINIK NATION BUREAU/UTTARKASHI

Uttarkashi District Magistrate Dr. Meherban Singh Bisht has directed officials to propose long-term projects on livelihood enhancement and infrastructure development under the Vibrant Village Program. He said this while convening a meeting at the district headquarters on Monday. He has given emphasis that projects should be designed in view of future needs of border villages.

Dr. Bisht highlighted the importance of tourism development in these areas and instructed officials to draft and submit ambitious plans for approval by the Government of India. He stressed the need for developing track routes, improving basic infrastructure, and enhancing facilities in the Gomukh area of Gangotri National Park. Additionally, to tackle power disruptions caused by snowfall, he proposed underground power supply lines in affected villages. He also directed the preparation of a proposal for interconnecting villages in the Harshil area through track routes and emphasized timely implementation of approved projects.

It was revealed in the meeting that out of 87 proposed schemes for 2023-24, 27 projects worth Rs. 11.49 crore have been approved, while 16 new schemes have been proposed for 2024-25.

The District Magistrate also reviewed progress under the River and Spring Rejuvenation Authority (SARA) program, which focuses on water conservation. A budget of Rs. 11.49 crore has been sanctioned for conserving 18 water sources, while Rs. 16.02 crore has been allocated for eight tributary rivers. The Forest Department will work on upper catchment areas, while Rural Development authorities will handle lower areas.

In another meeting, Dr. Bisht reviewed progress on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) portal registration and instructed officials to organize marriage registration camps across the district. He warned of strict action against officials negligent in handling portal operations.

These initiatives aim to boost infrastructure, livelihood, and governance in Uttarkashi’s border villages, ensuring long-term sustainable development.