Uttarakhand

Dehradun: Uttarakhand has completed one year since the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), marking a significant milestone in the state’s legal and social reforms. The state government has now introduced several amendments through the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, aimed at strengthening safeguards against forced marriages, fraud, and other violations in marital and live-in relationships. The ordinance, approved by Governor Lt. Gen. Gurmeet Singh (Retd.), came into immediate effect. Milestones Achieved in the First YearSince its implementation on January 27, 2025, Uttarakhand has registered approximately 4.7 lakh marriages under the UCC. Additionally, 68 couples have registered their live-in relationships, while two couples have applied for termi...

Haridwar, Uttarakhand: BJP leader and Uttar Pradesh Women’s Commission Vice-Chairperson Aparna Yadav faced a tense moment at the Haridwar VIP ghat during her Ganga bath on Basant Panchami. The incident occurred when journalists asked her questions regarding the recent divorce controversy involving her husband, Prateek Yadav, whose Instagram post about the divorce had attracted public attention. A video of the incident has gone viral, showing Aparna Yadav visibly upset. She alleged that her photo was taken while she was bathing and directed her security personnel to take pictures of the journalists who questioned her, warning of potential action. The incident has sparked discussion online, highlighting the challenges public figures face regarding privacy, especially during religious r...

Dehradun, January 24Heavy snowfall across Uttarakhand’s mountainous regions turned weddings into unforgettable stories of resilience and devotion, as marriage ceremonies were solemnised amid snow-covered landscapes. While snow brought cheer to tourists and locals alike, it also posed serious challenges—most notably in Chamoli district, where a groom walked 21 kilometres on foot with his bride and wedding procession after roads became impassable. In Rudraprayag district, at the sacred Triyuginarayan Temple—believed to be the legendary wedding site of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati—seven couples tied the knot on Friday amid intense snowfall. The historic temple, a popular wedding destination, witnessed rare scenes as priests, couples, and family members performed rituals while braving fre...

The weather in Mussoorie, popularly known as the “Queen of the Hills,” witnessed a sudden change on Friday as light rain and snow flurries were reported across the town and its surrounding areas. The shift in weather has led to a noticeable drop in temperature, bringing much-needed relief to residents, tourists, and farmers who had been grappling with prolonged dry conditions. From early morning, dark clouds enveloped the sky, accompanied by intermittent light rainfall. In higher-altitude areas, mild snow flurries further enhanced the wintry charm of the hill station. As temperatures dipped, people were seen bundling up in warm clothes and lighting bonfires to cope with the increased chill. For nearly three months, Mussoorie and nearby regions had not experienced any significant rain...

Preparations have begun at the government and administrative level for the renowned Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, which is set to start 11 days earlier this year. The extended schedule is expected to accommodate a larger number of pilgrims. Last year, the Char Dham Yatra commenced on April 30, 2025. However, this year the pilgrimage will begin on April 19, 2026. The Uttarakhand government and tourism department have already initiated preparations, with Tourism Secretary Dheeraj Singh Garvyal stating that all arrangements are being expedited to ensure pilgrims’ convenience. He emphasized that systems for registration and darshan will be fully updated and streamlined. Benefits for PilgrimsTraditionally, the Char Dham Yatra begins on Akshaya Tritiya. This year, Akshaya Tritiya falls o...

A meeting of the Town Vending Committee (TVC) in Mussoorie descended into chaos on Wednesday after a section of street vendors staged a strong protest, accusing the municipal administration of attempting to divide them. The protesters raised slogans, disrupted proceedings, and demanded the dissolution of the Town Vending Committee, alleging bias and unfair treatment. The meeting was held at the Mussoorie Municipal Council auditorium under the chairmanship of Municipal Council President Meera Saklani. The agenda focused on identifying eligible street vendors and implementing a systematic plan for their relocation and rehabilitation in accordance with established norms. However, tensions flared when several vendors objected to the process and accused the administration of deliberately pit...

Masuri, Uttarakhand: Once celebrated as the “Queen of Hills” for its natural beauty, Masuri is now under threat from unregulated construction, with the misuse of plinth certificates emerging as the central issue. Environmentalists and locals warn that the hill station is rapidly transforming into a concrete jungle. Plinth Certificates Under ScrutinyAccording to reports, the Municipal Council of Masuri has been issuing plinth certificates indiscriminately, allowing developers to bypass established building norms. Allegedly, during the tenure of the previous municipal board, rules were routinely overlooked, permitting the felling of hills and construction of multi-storey buildings on sensitive terrains. Local residents claim that plinth certificates were even issued for steep slopes an...

Dehradun: Uttarakhand’s Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has completed one year since its implementation, emerging as a successful example of technological excellence in governance. All UCC services are now available not only in English but also in all 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Additionally, applicants can now use AI-based assistance to understand the entire UCC process and complete their registration independently. Before implementing the UCC, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had instructed officials to make the registration process as simple as possible and the website fully user-friendly, enabling citizens to apply without external help. In line with CM Dhami’s directives, the IT Department of Uttarakhand (ITDA) developed the official UCC web...

Dehradun: The administration of Government Doon Medical College in Dehradun has taken strict action following incidents of ragging at the college. Nine students from the 2023 and 2024 batches have been expelled from the hostel and classrooms, and two of them have been fined ₹50,000 each. According to the report submitted by the college’s Anti-Ragging Committee to Principal Dr. Geeta Jain on Tuesday evening, one incident occurred on January 12 involving a 2025 batch student who was beaten with a belt and slippers, and his hair was forcibly cut. In another case, a student lodged a complaint against senior students for ragging in the hostel. Based on the committee’s recommendations, disciplinary action has been taken in both cases. Principal Dr. Geeta Jain confirmed that the two student...

Dehradun: The District Magistrate of Dehradun, Savin Bansal, has once again made headlines, this time for ordering the demolition of 79 dilapidated school buildings in the district. The move follows concerns over the safety of children studying in these structurally unsafe schools. After reports were presented to DM Bansal highlighting the risks to students, he directed the education department to submit detailed reports. When the submissions were delayed, he took strict action, including seizing the official vehicles of Chief Education Officer Vino Kumar Dhandiyal and District Basic Education Officer Prem Lal Bharti. A subsequent survey by the district education department identified 66 primary and 13 middle schools as structurally unsound. DM Bansal ordered their demolition through...