The trademark of past Governments was to persistently delay projects of national importance. However, this is not the case anymore, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi after launching development projects worth Rs 17,547 crore at an event in Haldwani on Thursday.

While addressing a large public gathering, the PM kept the main focus of his speech on development works and public welfare initiatives of the BJP-led Government in both Uttarakhand and across the nation.

Modi referred to the delays in execution of important projects under past Governments while citing the example of the 300 MW Lakhwar multi purpose project which will also provide irrigation and drinking water to Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi, for which the foundation stone was laid during the PM’s visit on Thursday.

He said, “The Lakhwar project was first conceived in 1976 and after being delayed for 46 years, its foundation stone was unveiled today.”

Apart from this project, the PM also unveiled the foundation stone of the AIIMS satellite centre to be built in Udham Singh Nagar and 15 other projects worth Rs 14,127 crore while inaugurating six projects worth Rs 3,420 crore.

Stating that the abilities of the people will make this decade that of Uttarakhand, the PM said the modern infrastructure being developed in Uttarakhand, the Char Dham road project and new rail routes will also ensure this.

He said, “From Gangotri to Gangasagar we are on a mission. With construction of toilets, better sewerage systems and latest facilities for water treatment, the number of drains emptying into the Ganga river is decreasing consistently.”

He further said that past governments had ignored connectivity and various aspects of national security. “Our armed forces and soldiers were simply made to wait. The land of Kumaon will not forget how past governments ignored this area despite it being a border region. Our government fulfilled the one rank-one pension demand of the servicemen and also strengthened the armed forces by making the latest weapons available. Now our forces do not have to wait for permission to give a befitting reply to the enemy,” said Modi. He also spoke in detail about the benefits of the projects launched on the occasion. Donning an Uttarakhandi cap, the PM also wished the people in Kumaoni language ahead of the New Year and Ghughutiya festival.

Earlier, welcoming the PM, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami praised the efforts being undertaken by Modi in the nation’s interests. He credited the Modi government for efficient management during the Covid pandemic, abrogation of Article 370 and paving the way for construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. He said how the state government has been able to resolve various issues with the help of the central government. Stating that the government is focusing on improving connectivity, he said that the dream of trains in the mountains seen by many generations now appears to be nearing fruition, adding that the Tanakpur-Bageshwar rail project is an example of this. Stating that the untimely demise of the late Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat is an irreparable loss to the nation and state, he recalled that the general had two main aims- strengthening the armed forces and development of Uttarakhand. He said that the state will work to fulfill his dreams.

Governor lieutenant general (retd) Gurmit Singh, Union minister of State Ajay Bhatt, BJP State president Madan Kaushik, former CMs Vijay Bahuguna, Trivendra Singh Rawat, Tirath Singh Rawat, MPs and cabinet ministers were also present on the occasion.