Dehradun, Nov. 17 -- Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union defence minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Sunday and sought his intervention on continuation of the Air Force Audit Branch in Dehradun and retention of public works department as the agency responsible for maintaining the Gwaldam-Nandkesari-Tharali-Dewal-Mundoli-Van motor road. During the meeting, the chief minister said the Air Force Audit Branch has been functioning uninterruptedly from Dehradun for a long time and should remain there due to the city's strategic importance. He emphasised that Dehradun's proximity to the China and Nepal borders, along with the presence of major military and security establishments, makes it an essential operational centre for defence-related institutions. Dhami requested the defence minister to issue necessary instructions to ensure the audit branch continues its operations from the state capital. The CM also urged that the Uttarakhand PWD retain responsibility for the upkeep of the Gwaldam-Nandkesari-Tharali-Dewal-Mundoli-Van route. He said the road forms the main corridor for the world-famous Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, scheduled next in 2026, and maintaining it at the local level is crucial for smooth conduct of the culturally significant pilgrimage. Ensuring PWD control, the chief minister added, would improve road conditions, benefit local transport and facilitate preparations for the upcoming Yatra....