Uttarakhand

Dehradun: In a decisive move to ensure student safety, the Dehradun district administration has announced plans to demolish 79 schools identified as structurally unsafe. District Magistrate (DM) Savin Bansal has issued strict orders for the action, following reports that these schools posed serious risks to children. Unsafe Schools IdentifiedThe decision comes after a survey conducted by the Education Department in response to concerns over the safety of school buildings. Within just 10 days, the department submitted a comprehensive report to the DM, revealing that 79 schools — 66 primary and 13 middle schools — were severely dilapidated. The findings prompted immediate administrative action. Strict Administrative MeasuresDM Savin Bansal had earlier displayed a firm stance when the i...

Dehradun: Uttarakhand has been recognized as a ‘Leader’ in developing a robust startup ecosystem in the States’ Startup Ecosystem Ranking 2025, released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. The state government’s Industry Department received a Certificate of Appreciation on the occasion of National Startup Day for its exemplary efforts in fostering entrepreneurship. Success of Uttarakhand’s Startup PolicyThe recognition reflects the success of Uttarakhand’s startup policy in promoting innovation, encouraging entrepreneurship, facilitating investments, and creating self-employment opportunities for youth. The model adopted by the state is now being appreciated at the national level. CM ...

Dehradun, Uttarakhand: Forest fires have been burning across Uttarakhand since early January, defying control efforts due to dry weather and difficult terrain. Even in the middle of winter, the flames have spread rapidly, prompting the deployment of an MI-17 Army helicopter at Joshimath to assist the forest department, though the Air Force has not yet commenced aerial firefighting operations. The fires, which started on January 9 in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and the Valley of Flowers in Chamoli district, continue to threaten the region. Dry leaves and fallen timber have accelerated the spread, making it difficult for forest officials to contain the blaze, especially at higher altitudes. The affected areas, including the Penkanda and Bhuyundar ranges, are situated at approximately...

Dehradun (Uttarakhand): Actress Urmila Sanawar, who made headlines with her revelations regarding the Ankita Bhandari case, has fallen ill. A short video of her in distress has gone viral on social media, showing her speaking about living in fear. Sanawar’s health scare comes as authorities prepare to examine her phone in connection with the investigation into a VIP-linked controversy in the Ankita Bhandari case. She was supposed to submit her phone to the police for forensic analysis, but illness forced her to remain in her hotel room for treatment since Monday night. Political Storm and CBI ProbeThe Ankita Bhandari case, which gained nationwide attention, has sparked widespread protests and political pressure. Opposition parties have demanded accountability, while Ankita’s parents ...

Haridwar, Uttarakhand: In a shocking incident at Har Ki Pauri, the main bathing ghat of the Ganga in Haridwar, two young men were caught wandering in Sheikh attire (kandura), a video of which went viral on social media. Police investigations have confirmed that both individuals are residents of Haridwar. The accused, identified as Naveen Kumar and Prince, both 22 years old, were taken into custody for questioning. During interrogation, the duo admitted that they had dressed in the attire to shoot a video for their YouTube channel, hoping to gain more likes and comments. A police officer stated that the youths expressed regret for hurting religious sentiments and apologized for their actions. They were cautioned against creating similar content in the future. After issuing a notice (c...

Haridwar, Jan 14:A sea of devotees gathered at the sacred Har Ki Pauri ghat in Haridwar early Wednesday morning as thousands took a holy dip in the Ganga on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, which coincided with Ekadashi this year. From the early hours, the revered banks of the river resonated with chants and prayers, reflecting deep faith and spiritual fervour. Anticipating a massive influx, devotees had begun assembling near the Ganga ghats from Tuesday evening itself. By dawn, bathing rituals were already underway, and Har Ki Pauri witnessed an overwhelming crowd. The district administration had earlier estimated the arrival of lakhs of pilgrims and accordingly put extensive arrangements in place to ensure safety and smooth conduct of the religious event. Elaborate Secur...

Kashipur, Uttarakhand: The suicide of farmer and history-sheeter Sukhwant Singh in Kashipur has triggered a storm of outrage, following the circulation of a viral video in which he leveled serious allegations against police officials and influential individuals. Acting on directions from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the police have taken swift action. Incident Details Sukhwant Singh, a resident of Kashipur, ended his life by shooting himself at a local hotel in the Gaulapar area under Kathgodam police jurisdiction. Prior to his death, Singh recorded a video message expressing deep anger and frustration, accusing certain individuals of harassment and undue pressure. He also alleged that police failed to address his complaints seriously, leaving him distressed. The video quic...

Haridwar, Uttarakhand: Ahead of the grand Kumbh Mela 2027 preparations, questions have arisen over restrictions on non-Hindus at Har Ki Pauri and 104 other ghats in Haridwar. Some reports suggested a new policy was being imposed to bar non-Hindus from these sacred areas. The Haridwar Municipal Corporation (HMC) has now issued a clarification, stating that this is not a new rule but a longstanding provision that dates back to pre-Independence times. Municipal Corporation Sets the Record StraightHMC officials explained that the restriction applies to non-Hindus entering the Har Ki Pauri area, except for officials visiting for official work. Municipal Commissioner Nandan Kumar emphasized that presenting this as a new government order or policy is factually incorrect. He noted that the g...

Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand: The parents of Ankita Bhandari, the young woman at the center of the high-profile Uttarakhand murder case, have expressed satisfaction over the state government’s recommendation for a CBI investigation. They reiterated their demand that the probe focus on the alleged involvement of a VIP guest and be conducted under the supervision of a Supreme Court judge. Ankita’s parents, Virendra Bhandari and Soni Devi, met Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in Dehradun on Thursday and requested a CBI investigation into the case. The meeting came amid widespread public outrage in the state following the circulation of videos allegedly linking a VIP guest to the case. Responding to the demand, CM Dhami recommended a CBI inquiry on Friday, a decision that has been welcomed ...

Dehradun: Videos of snowfall at Kedarnath Dham have recently gone viral on social media, prompting a firm response from the Badrikedar Temple Committee. Following objections from temple priests, the committee has written to the Rudraprayag district administration demanding action against those responsible for sharing the videos. Temple Committee Raises ConcernsHemant Dwivedi, President of the Badrikedar Temple Committee, stated that during the winter months, after the temple gates close, Narayana Puja is conducted at the shrines. Sharing videos of the site on social media during this period is considered against religious sentiments. The videos in circulation show Kedarnath completely covered in a thick layer of snow, highlighting the winter beauty of Baba Bholenath’s sacred town. Pr...