Uttarakhand Canal Modernisation and Temple Beautification Projects
Source:indianmasterminds ↗
Why It Matters
The article contains highly relevant factual information for UKPSC Prelims regarding local state temples, regional infrastructure initiatives (like the Beejapur canal), and disaster relief administration in a geographically vulnerable state.
Summary
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has sanctioned ₹14 crore for a variety of development, infrastructure, and relief projects across the state. The approvals include modernising the Beejapur Canal in Dehradun under the Amrit Yojana, constructing new roads, and undertaking the beautification of local temples like Mostamanu, Sam, and Malli Manila across districts such as Pithoragarh and Almora. Additionally, the government disbursed ₹1.21 crore in disaster relief to victims in Uttarkashi and mandated fixed monthly dates for pension distribution, along with a new initiative linking Anganwadi centres to elderly care in hilly terrains.
Key Points
- CM Pushkar Singh Dhami approved ₹14 crore for state development, disaster relief, and infrastructure.
- Funds include modernisation of the Beejapur Canal in Dehradun under the Amrit Yojana.
- Allocations cover the beautification of local shrines including Mostamanu, Sam, Maa Bal Kuwari, Bhimadevi, and Malli Manila temples.
- Disaster relief of ₹1.21 crore was granted from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for affected individuals in Dharali, Uttarkashi.
- Welfare measures were streamlined to ensure timely monthly pension distribution and to link Anganwadi centres for elderly care in hill areas.
Important Terms
AMRUT Scheme
A centrally sponsored urban development scheme launched in 2015 to establish robust basic infrastructure, focusing on universal water supply, sewerage networks, and stormwater drainage.
UPSC context
GS Paper II: Government schemes for urban development, cooperative federalism, and municipal reforms.
Anganwadi Services
A centrally sponsored child-care and maternal welfare initiative under the ICDS framework, delivering six core services including supplementary nutrition, immunization, and non-formal pre-school education.
UPSC context
GS Paper II: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections, healthcare, nutrition, and child development.
State Disaster Response Fund
The primary statutory fund available with state governments under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, designed to meet immediate relief expenditures for responding to notified disasters.
UPSC context
GS Paper III: Disaster management institutions, disaster financing, and center-state financial sharing.
Chief Minister's Relief Fund
A state-level trust headed by the respective Chief Minister, funded entirely through voluntary public contributions, to provide rapid financial assistance to distressed citizens during crises and disasters.
UPSC context
GS Paper II: State executive machinery, emergency funding governance, and social safety nets.
Prelims Trap
The title 'Bardoli of Kumaon' was bestowed upon the Salt region of Almora by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The title 'Bardoli of Kumaon' was bestowed by Mahatma Gandhi, not Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, during the Quit India Movement.
Static Concepts Connected
What is the historical significance of the Salt Region (Bardoli of Kumaon)?
- Gandhian Moniker: Mahatma Gandhi conferred this title on the Salt region of Almora due to its exceptional contribution and sacrifices during the freedom struggle.
- 1942 Uprising: On September 5, 1942, during the Quit India Movement, British forces fired upon peaceful protestors at Khumar village in Salt, killing several freedom fighters.
- Commemoration: September 5 is celebrated annually in Uttarakhand as 'Martyrs' Day' to honor the victims of the Salt firing.
What are the core features of the AMRUT 2.0 scheme?
- Universal Water Coverage: Aims to provide 100% coverage of water supply to households in all statutory towns, targeting water security and circular economy principles.
- Hilly State Funding: Under MoHUA, it provides 90% central funding for Himalayan and North-Eastern states, enabling major canal and water system upgrades.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Intangible Heritage + Local Dispute Resolution
Local folk deities like Sam Devta are invoked through 'Jagar' ritualistic music, which serves as a medium for both cultural preservation and community-led dispute resolution in the central Himalayas.
Maternal-Child Schemes + Geriatric Care Convergence
Utilizing existing Anganwadi networks (ICDS) for geriatric care addresses 'ghost village' demographic shifts in hilly terrains caused by youth migration.
Regional freedom struggle episodes (like Salt/Bardoli of Kumaon) and convergence of ICDS with geriatric care are key potential MCQs for 2026.
Linked PYQs · 5
Linked PYQs · 5
- 2024UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1
'Chaumu Deity' is worshipped in Uttarakhand for
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Which of the following folk dances/celebrations of Uttarakhand is included in the intangible heritage list of UNESCO ?
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As per Uttarakhand Budget 2025-26, the amount allocated for Char Dham Road network improvement is
- 2025UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Consider the following statements and select the correct answer from the options given below : Statement 1 : Uttarakhand is highly vulnerable to climate change. Statement 2 : Climate change is causing water stress and depleting biodiversity in Uttarakhand.
- 2025UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Which of the following districts of Uttarakhand has the highest agricultural land ?
