Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the ‘Champawat Saras Corbett Festival-2026’ via virtual platform from the Chief Minister’s Camp Office in Dehradun. During his address, he expressed his belief in the infectious enthusiasm and celebratory spirit permeating every household in Champawat.
He emphasized the significance of the upcoming Holi festival, noting that the Holi celebrations of Kali Kumaon are distinguished by their unique cultural characteristics, showcasing a blend of tradition rarely found elsewhere in the country.
Festival’s Cultural Significance
The Chief Minister remarked that Champawat is renowned for its rich heritage encompassing history, spirituality, and culture. He described the ‘Champawat Saras Corbett Festival-2026’ as more than a week-long event, labeling it a dynamic celebration of Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, women’s empowerment, youth enthusiasm, and the vision for a self-sufficient state. Notably, this year’s festival will also include elements of a “Winter Corbett Festival,” aimed at enhancing winter tourism in the region.
Adventure Tourism Initiatives
Dhami outlined the ambition to place Champawat on the national adventure tourism map through various activities including paragliding, mountain biking, hot air ballooning, river rafting, paramotoring, bird watching, and trekking. He expressed optimism that these initiatives would generate new employment opportunities for local youth.
Historical Context of Jim Corbett
The Chief Minister highlighted Jim Corbett’s worldwide acclaim and his contributions to conservation. He recounted the famous incident in 1907 where Corbett eliminated a man-eating tigress, sparing numerous lives and cultivating an appreciation for wildlife conservation that resonates in the Champawat-Lohaghat area today. According to Dhami, this legacy continues to establish the region as a vital cultural and natural heritage site.
Festival Activities and Local Engagement
The festival will host an array of activities designed to enhance its diversity, including Madhubani painting workshops, modern art displays, quiz competitions, science exhibitions, and folk cultural programs. Additionally, a food festival is planned to elevate traditional cuisines and promote local culinary heritage, fostering greater awareness among younger generations regarding regional food culture while simultaneously supporting local producers. This initiative is aligned with the ethos of “Vocal for Local” and aims to propel local products onto a global platform.
Development Projects in Champawat
During his address, Dhami detailed several ongoing developmental projects aimed at transforming Champawat into an exemplary district. He mentioned that a 50-bed Critical Care Block is under construction at the district hospital with an investment of ₹20 crore. Infrastructure improvements, including motor road construction and multi-storey parking facilities, are also being prioritized to mitigate traffic congestion.
Wildlife and Tiger Conservation Efforts
The Chief Minister underscored the festival’s role in advancing wildlife and tiger conservation efforts in the Champawat and Lohaghat areas, which have previously earned a unique status among wildlife enthusiasts worldwide. He anticipates that events like the Saras Corbett Festival will foster new livelihood opportunities for local women and youth, significantly impacting community welfare.
Future Development Plans
Dhami spoke of the extensive development initiatives in place, including the construction of a ropeway to the Maa Purnagiri Temple and the development of the Sharda Corridor aimed at enhancing tourism. He noted that a wayside amenities center has been established in Champawat, alongside ongoing developments to promote the Chuka region as a wedding destination. Infrastructure improvements continue with the construction of bridges and roads, aimed at bolstering connectivity and regional economic stability.
Vision for a Developed Uttarakhand
The Chief Minister concluded by affirming his commitment to ongoing development while preserving the state’s unique identity, culture, and social balance. He is dedicated to fulfilling the vision of making Uttarakhand one of the leading states in India and expressed confidence in receiving support from the people of Champawat to achieve this goal.
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