Dehradun/Haridwar, Feb. 27 -- Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday said overall social development of Uttarakhand remains the government's primary goal and commitment, asserting that growth and development must go hand in hand with preservation of the hill state's cultural identity and democratic values. Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the Nayar Valley Festival at Bilkhet in Pauri district, Dhami said along with development, maintaining the state's social and cultural identity, strengthening the democratic system and preserving its rich heritage and values are among the government's top priorities. "Effective efforts are being made continuously to ensure balanced and inclusive progress," he said. The chief minister described the festival as a significant step towards promoting tourism, culture and adventure activities in the Nayar Valley region. He said such initiatives would generate self-employment opportunities for local youth and give fresh momentum to the regional economy. Dhami announced the establishment of a paragliding training centre in Nayar Valley and development works related to Rasulan Deeba in Pokhra block, Bironkhal block and Champeshwar Mahadev Temple in Pabau block to strengthen religious tourism. He formally inaugurated several adventure activities at the venue, including paragliding, paramotoring, hot air ballooning, mountain biking, kayaking, angling, zipline and reverse bungee jumping. Interacting with women's groups and local residents, the chief minister stressed the need to ensure that government welfare schemes reach the last person in society. Referring to the "Government at the Doorstep" campaign launched in December 2025, he said administrative teams are visiting Nyaya Panchayats to resolve grievances and deliver services directly to citizens. Highlighting infrastructure initiatives in Pauri district, Dhami said construction of the National Institute of Technology campus in Srinagar is underway at a cost of Rs.650 crore, while a Rs.135 crore sewage treatment plant is being established to make the Khoh river pollution free. He added that projects such as a solid waste processing plant in Kotdwar, a bridge over the Malan river, preservation of the historic collectorate building, expansion of sports facilities and development of tourism-related infrastructure would create long-term employment opportunities. Tourism minister Satpal Maharaj termed the Nayar Valley Festival an important initiative to showcase the region's natural beauty and cultural richness....