Dehradun, Aug. 2 -- In a major boost to disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts, the central government approved a Rs.125 crore project aimed at reducing landslide risk and managing vulnerable zones across Uttarakhand. The first phase of the project has begun with a release of Rs.4.5 crore for initial exploration and preparation of the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). Officials aware of the matter said the proposal was submitted by the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) and the Uttarakhand Landslide Mitigation and Management Centre (ULMMC), Dehradun, under the guidance of chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The project aligns with the national disaster resilience framework directed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home Minister Amit Shah, and was approved by the National Disaster Management Authority and the ministry of home affairs, officials said. CM Dhami expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Union home minister for supporting the state's critical need for a long-term landslide mitigation strategy. "This project marks a decisive step towards ensuring public safety and infrastructure protection in the state's most landslide-prone areas," he said. Officials said some high-risk zones have been identified for immediate intervention under this centrally funded project. These include: In Haridwar, the Mansa Devi Temple Hill Bypass Road has been selected due to repeated landslides and falling rocks, which pose serious safety risks....