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Gauchar, Chamoli: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the 74th Gauchar Fair State Industrial Development and Cultural Gauchar Fair on Saturday in Chamoli district. The Chief Minister formally opened the seven-day event by performing religious rituals and lighting the ceremonial lamp.
During the programme, Dhami also inaugurated two important drinking water projects aimed at strengthening water supply systems in Gauchar and Gairsain. He further announced that a committee would soon be formed to examine issues related to Simli Hospital. 74th Gauchar Fair
The Chief Minister received a traditional welcome upon arriving in Gauchar. He paid tribute to the fair’s founder, late Govind Prasad Nautiyal, by offering floral tributes at his statue. Schoolgirls presented cultural performances showcasing the traditional folk heritage of Uttarakhand.
District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar welcomed the Chief Minister and presented him with the official mascot of the Gauchar Fair. 74th Gauchar Fair
Gauchar Fair: A Tradition Dating Back to 1943
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dhami described the Gauchar Fair as a symbol of Uttarakhand’s historical heritage, rich trading traditions and cultural identity.
He recalled that the fair began in 1943 as a Bhotiya Trade Fair with the support of local traders, social workers and the administration of that time.
Historically, Gauchar served as an important centre for India-Tibet trade. Wool, pashmina, medicinal herbs and various local products were traded here.
Over the decades, the event expanded beyond its original trading purpose and developed into a major industrial and cultural fair attracting visitors from across the state and beyond.
Dhami said the fair provides an important platform for local traders, artisans, small entrepreneurs and self-help groups to display and market their products. He also described it as an effective platform for promoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative.
Government Focuses on Local Products and Employment
Highlighting Chamoli’s cultural significance, the Chief Minister described the district as the spiritual land of Lord Badri Vishal, the maternal home of Goddess Nanda and the birthplace of the internationally recognised Chipko Movement.
He said the state government is working to develop border villages as the country’s first villages rather than its last villages.
The government is also focusing on creating employment and self-employment opportunities for young people within their local communities through agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, tourism and handicrafts.
Dhami highlighted the importance of the ‘House of Himalayas’ brand, which was launched to take Uttarakhand’s traditional products to larger national and international markets.
The brand promotes products such as woollen handicrafts, rajma, mandua, jhangora, honey and medicinal herbs. According to the Chief Minister, its business turnover has crossed Rs 6 crore.
He said this achievement reflects the hard work and growing economic independence of local producers and women-led self-help groups.
Committee to Be Formed for Simli Hospital Issues
During the programme, the Chief Minister also responded to demands raised by local representatives and residents.
Dhami said a committee would be constituted soon to examine issues related to Simli Hospital. The committee would hear the concerns of all relevant stakeholders before considering a solution.
Regarding the demand for a press club building in the region, he asked local representatives to identify suitable land and assured them of a positive approach towards the proposal.
Drinking Water Projects Worth Over Rs 37 Crore Inaugurated
The Chief Minister inaugurated two major drinking water infrastructure projects to improve water supply facilities in the region.
The first project is the Gauchar Urban Drinking Water Scheme, constructed under the AMRUT 2.0 programme in Karnaprayag development block. It has an approved project cost of Rs 32.45 crore.
The second project involves strengthening and repairing the Gairsain Urban Drinking Water Scheme in Gairsain development block. The project has been completed at a cost of Rs 459.32 lakh, equivalent to approximately Rs 4.59 crore.
Together, the two projects represent an investment of approximately Rs 37.04 crore in improving drinking water infrastructure.
These initiatives are expected to strengthen water supply arrangements and benefit residents of Gauchar and Gairsain.
Senior Journalist and Author Receive Prestigious Awards
The inauguration ceremony also recognised contributions to journalism, literature and education.
Senior journalist Lalit Prasad Lakheda from Bamoth village in Chamoli received the ‘Govind Prasad Nautiyal Memorial Award 2026’ for his contribution to journalism and literature.
Senior author and publisher Kirti Navani of Binsar Publication, Dehradun, received the ‘Pandit Maheshanand Nautiyal Education and Literary Promotion Award 2026’.
The Chief Minister congratulated both award recipients and appreciated their contributions to their respective fields.
Char Dham Road and Rail Projects to Boost Regional Development
Dhami reiterated the state government’s commitment to the overall development of Chamoli district.
He highlighted the Char Dham Road Project, which is improving road connectivity to Badrinath Dham. He also referred to the ongoing Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway project.
According to the Chief Minister, completion of the railway project will improve regional connectivity, encourage tourism and strengthen the local economy.
He added that the government remains committed to expanding infrastructure and connecting remote and border areas with the mainstream development process.
Several public representatives, including Chamoli in-charge minister Bharat Singh Chaudhary, Tharali MLA Bhupal Ram Tamta, Karnaprayag MLA Anil Nautiyal, district officials, police officers, traders, journalists and local residents attended the inauguration ceremony.
The Chief Minister extended his greetings to residents and appealed for collective participation in making the seven-day Gauchar Fair successful.