Uttarakhand is a state in northern India that was formed in 2000 after separating from Uttar Pradesh. The state is known for its scenic beauty, rich culture, and religious significance. However, the state has also been struggling with the issue of its capital city for over two decades.
Dehradun: The temporary capital of Uttarakhand
When Uttarakhand was created, Dehradun, a city in the plains, was chosen as the temporary capital of the state. Dehradun was already a well-developed city with administrative, educational, and infrastructural facilities. It was also close to Delhi, the national capital, and had good connectivity with other parts of the country.
However, many people in Uttarakhand were not happy with Dehradun as the capital. They argued that Dehradun did not represent the true identity and aspirations of the hill people, who formed the majority of the state’s population. They also claimed that Dehradun was facing problems of overcrowding, pollution, and environmental degradation due to rapid urbanization.
Gairsain: The dream capital of Uttarakhand
Gairsain, a town in Chamoli district, was proposed as an alternative capital of Uttarakhand by statehood activists and some political parties. Gairsain is located in the hills, almost at the center of the state. It is surrounded by forests, rivers, and mountains, and has a pleasant climate. It is also considered a symbol of the cultural and historical heritage of Uttarakhand.
The supporters of Gairsain argued that making it the capital would boost the development of the hilly regions, which were neglected and backward compared to the plains. They also hoped that Gairsain would become a model of sustainable and inclusive growth, preserving natural resources and promoting the local culture and economy.
The political saga of Uttarakhand’s capital
The demand for Gairsain as the permanent capital of Uttarakhand has been a contentious and emotive issue in state politics for a long time. Several protests, rallies, hunger strikes, and agitations have been organized by various groups and individuals to pressurize the successive governments to fulfill this demand.
However, none of the governments could take a final decision on this matter due to various reasons. Some of these reasons were:
- The lack of consensus among the political parties and leaders on the issue.
- The high cost and logistical challenges involved in building a new capital from scratch.
- The fear of losing the support and votes of the people in Dehradun and other plain areas.
- The influence and pressure from the central government and other external factors.
The declaration of Gairsain as the summer capital of Uttarakhand
In March 2020, after 20 years of indecision and uncertainty, Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat announced that Gairsain would be declared as the summer capital of Uttarakhand. He made this announcement during the budget session of the state assembly held in Gairsain. In June 2020, Governor Baby Rani Maurya gave her assent to this declaration.
The declaration of Gairsain as the summer capital was welcomed by many people as a historic and positive step towards fulfilling their long-pending demand. However, some people were not satisfied with this partial solution and demanded that Gairsain should be made the full-fledged permanent capital of the state.
The future prospects of Gairsain as the permanent capital of Uttarakhand
The declaration of Gairsain as the summer capital has raised hopes and expectations among its supporters that it will pave the way for its eventual elevation as the permanent capital. However, there are still many challenges and hurdles that need to be overcome before this can happen.
Some of these challenges are:
- The development of adequate infrastructure and facilities in Gairsain to make it suitable for hosting the state administration and governance.
- The allocation of sufficient funds and resources for building and maintaining the new capital.
- The resolution of any legal or constitutional issues that may arise due to having two capitals in one state.
- The consensus and cooperation among all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society groups, media, and public opinion.
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Conclusion
The issue of Uttarakhand’s capital is not just a matter of geography or administration. It is also a matter of identity, dignity, and justice for the people of the state. It reflects their aspirations for development, empowerment, and recognition.
The declaration of Gairsain as the summer capital is a significant step in this direction, but it is not enough. The ultimate goal should be to make Gairsain the permanent capital of Uttarakhand. This will require vision, courage, and commitment from the political leadership and the public. It will also require a balance between the interests of the hills and the plains and between the preservation of the environment and the promotion of the economy.
Only then can Gairsain become the true capital of Uttarakhand, in spirit and in reality?