Dehradun, Nov. 11 -- Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday said the state government is dedicated to building clean, beautiful, and modern cities in the state. Dhami inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for Devbhoomi Rajat Jayanti (Silver Jubilee) Parks and various development projects at an event held in Rishikesh. During the event, the Chief Minister dedicated the Devbhoomi Rajat Jayanti Parks, developed across 9 urban local bodies in the four districts of Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Uttarkashi, to the public. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 7 development projects worth more than Rs.36 crore in Dehradun district. He also flagged off 8 garbage collection vehicles to strengthen the sanitation system across urban bodies. Dhami extedned his wishes to the people of the state on the occasion of State Foundation Day and paid homage to the martyrs and agitators of the statehood movement. "On Uttarakhand's silver jubilee, the state government resolved that the memories of state formation should not remain confined to ceremonies but should be visible on the ground through development works. A decision was then taken to develop Devbhoomi Rajat Jayanti Parks across urban areas of the state," he said. The CM said that locations once plagued by garbage dumps and bushes are now being developed as lush, well-organised public spaces. "These parks will provide ideal spots for children to play, elderly people to walk, women to sit, and youth to practice yoga and exercise, while they also reflect Uttarakhand's culture, folk traditions, and local flora," he said. He asked urban local bodies to ensure the maintenance of these parks through public participation. The CM said that the state government strives to extend the benefits of development to every city and ward. "Alongside expanding basic infrastructure, priority is being given to cleanliness, environmental conservation, and citizen amenities. All 108 urban local bodies in the state have become open defecation free (ODF), and Rishikesh and Haridwar have received Water+ certification. More than 90% of urban waste in the state is being scientifically processed, and legacy waste remediation has reclaimed nearly 109 acres of land," he said. He said biogas production from waste is underway in Rudrapur and Mussoorie. "Over 60,000 kg of plastic has been recovered along Char Dham Yatra routes via digital deposit-refund systems. A comprehensive Rs.1,375 crore sanitation action plan has been prepared for 107 urban bodies, featuring 27 sewage and fecal sludge treatment plants and the mechanisation of cleaning operations to safeguard sanitation workers," he said. Dhami said under AMRUT Phase 1, 148 of 151 approved projects are complete, providing tap connections to over 72,000 households. "AMRUT 2.0 projects worth Rs.650 crore are extending piped water to 40,000 additional homes while reviving water sources and ponds. Approximately Rs.874 crore is being invested in drinking water, sewerage, and urban infrastructure in Rishikesh and other selected cities," he said. Dhami said under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), over 62,000 houses have been sanctioned and more than 50,000 families have been provided with permanent homes. "Thirty-five night shelters are operational, and 3 lakh plus people have accessed healthcare near their doorsteps via 114 Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs," he said. He said services such as property tax, mutation, and trade licenses are being brought online via the 'UPOYG' platform. "A digital sanitation monitoring system is being established in Haridwar ahead of the 2027 Kumbh Mela," he said. Dhami also congratulated Rudrapur and Kashipur Municipal Corporations for being selected for national awards under Swachh Survekshan 2025-26....