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CM Pushkar Singh Dhami joins drug-free Uttarakhand run, unveils Hanuman statue in Banbasa

Q: What statue was unveiled during the programme?

Dhami unveiled an approximately 11 foot statue of Lord Hanuman at Patni Tiraha.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami joined a drug-free campaign run in Banbasa, Champawat, flagged off races for young participants and urged them to choose a healthy lifestyle. He also unveiled an approximately 11-foot Hanuman statue, announced the renaming of Patni Tiraha and outlined government priorities.

Editor: Khatima News Published: 19 Oct 2026, 08:48 AM Updated: 19 Oct 2026, 08:48 AM

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami joins drug-free Uttarakhand run, unveils Hanuman statue in Banbasa.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the ‘Nashamukti Sadbhavna Run’ in Banbasa, Champawat, as part of the state’s campaign for a drug-free Uttarakhand. He flagged off races for young boys and girls and urged them to avoid the harmful effects of substance abuse.

Dhami called on young people to adopt a healthy lifestyle and play an active role in building a drug-free society. The event focused on youth participation and public awareness around the state government’s anti-drug objective.

Hanuman statue unveiled at Patni Tiraha

After the run, the chief minister performed prayers at Patni Tiraha with Vedic chants and traditional rituals. He unveiled an approximately 11-foot statue of Lord Hanuman at the location.

Dhami also joined a Sundarkand recitation held during the programme. Devotional songs presented by the ‘Jai Shri Ram Kirtan Mandal’ created a religious atmosphere at the event.

He announced that Patni Tiraha would be renamed ‘Hanuman Chowk’. Dhami also extended greetings to residents on Navratri and Dussehra and prayed for the happiness, prosperity and welfare of the people.

Government priorities highlighted

Speaking at the gathering, Dhami praised the contribution of women and said their participation was an important foundation for Uttarakhand’s progress. He said the state government was working to advance Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’.

The chief minister said efforts were continuing to implement the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ commitment, provide equal opportunities to young people and accelerate the state’s overall development.

Describing Uttarakhand as a land of gods, bravery and military service, Dhami said the government remained committed to soldiers serving the country and their families. He identified the honour of soldiers, protection of their families’ interests and continuation of the state’s military tradition as government priorities.

Dhami also cited action against encroachment on government and public land. He said hundreds of acres had been cleared of encroachments through strict action.

On recruitment examinations, he said effective implementation of the country’s strictest anti-cheating law had ensured greater transparency. According to his statement, more than 33,000 young people in Uttarakhand had so far secured government jobs on merit.

Community participation

At the end of the programme, Dhami distributed prasad among devotees and members of the public. He spoke with residents, asked about their wellbeing and received blessings from elderly people.

Those present included office-bearers Hema Joshi and Kiran Devi, Bharatiya Janata Party district in-charge Gunjan Sukhija, District Magistrate Manish Kumar, Superintendent of Police Rekha Yadav, Chief Development Officer Ajay Singh and Purnagiri Sub-Divisional Magistrate Pramod Kumar.

Various public representatives, departmental officials and a large number of local residents also attended the programme.

Conclusion

The Banbasa programme combined a youth-focused anti-drug campaign with a religious public event. Dhami used the occasion to promote healthy lifestyles, announce the renaming of Patni Tiraha as Hanuman Chowk and highlight state government priorities.