Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the development of border villages has accelerated, with better roads, bridges, tunnels and communication networks improving connectivity in remote parts of the state.

In remarks carried by ANI from Dehradun, Dhami referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s description of Mana as India’s “first village”, rather than the country’s “last village”. He said the change reflected a broader shift in how border settlements are viewed and developed.

Dhami said Prime Minister Modi had visited Gunji, a village near Adi Kailash, and that the visit had encouraged further infrastructure work in the region. He claimed that roads had since been constructed in the area, including a route reaching Lipulekh.

Roads and strategic connectivity

According to Dhami, earlier concerns that roads could provide an entry point for enemies contributed to decades of limited construction in border areas. He said “60 to 70 years” passed under that approach before the system changed.

The chief minister said the newer focus on connectivity had improved the movement of India’s armed forces and strengthened communication systems. He also pointed to the expansion of optical fibre networks as part of the wider infrastructure effort.

Dhami’s remarks present the road network and digital connectivity as having both civilian and strategic importance. For people living in high-altitude border villages, the stated improvements are linked to access, mobility and stronger communications.

Marathons planned in border villages

Dhami also highlighted sporting events as part of efforts to bring attention to Uttarakhand’s border regions. He said an “Adi Kailash Run” had recently been held in Gunji village after he visited Adi Kailash.

He added that the state was preparing to organise a major marathon in May in the Malari and Niti regions. The planned event is part of a series of initiatives intended to develop border settlements as “Vibrant Villages”.

The chief minister did not provide a date for the May marathon, the distance of the event or details about its participants. His remarks focused on the broader role of such activities alongside infrastructure construction.

What the development means

The areas mentioned by Dhami are located in Uttarakhand’s high-altitude border belt, where difficult terrain has traditionally made construction and communication more challenging. The projects he described combine physical infrastructure with digital links and public events.

Dhami said roads, bridges and tunnels were being built while connectivity had become “significantly stronger than before”. He linked these developments to the government’s effort to transform border areas into more active and better-connected settlements.

The comments also underline the government’s stated intention to use places such as Mana, Gunji, Malari and Niti as symbols of border development. The immediate next step mentioned by the chief minister is the proposed major marathon in Malari and Niti in May.

Conclusion

Dhami said Uttarakhand’s border development programme is combining roads, tunnels, bridges, optical fibre and high-altitude events to strengthen connectivity and support the development of “Vibrant Villages”.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What did Pushkar Singh Dhami say about Mana village?

Dhami said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had described Mana as India’s “first village”, instead of the country’s “last village”.

Q. Which village near Adi Kailash did Dhami mention?

He mentioned Gunji, which he described as a village near Adi Kailash.

Q. What road development did Dhami highlight?

Dhami said roads had been constructed in the region and that a road had been built all the way to Lipulekh.

Q. What infrastructure is being developed in the border areas?

He mentioned roads, bridges, tunnels and optical fibre networks, along with stronger overall connectivity.

Q. What marathon is planned for May?

Dhami said a major marathon is being prepared for the Malari and Niti regions in May.

Q. What event was held in Gunji village?

An “Adi Kailash Run” was held in Gunji village, according to Dhami.

Q. How did Dhami describe the impact on security and communication?

He said the improvements had enhanced the mobility of India’s armed forces and strengthened communication systems.