Banbasa, October 18, 2026: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development works, including a badminton court, at the Mini Stadium in Banbasa, Champawat, on Sunday. He also distributed sports kits and awards to players, urging young people to make sport a regular part of their lives.
Dhami said recognising talented athletes honours the effort and dedication behind their achievements. He encouraged youngsters to stay away from drugs, adopt a disciplined lifestyle and remain committed to their goals.
New Facilities to Support Local Athletes
During the programme, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stones for four development works at the Freedom Fighter Captain Karam Chand Stadium in Chuna Bhatta, Banbasa.
A ₹150.20 lakh badminton hall will also be built through corporate social responsibility funding. The proposed facilities are intended to expand the stadium’s sporting infrastructure and provide better conditions for training.
Dhami presented awards to Sadhana, who secured first place in the girls’ category, and Jatin Chand, who finished first in the boys’ category.
He also highlighted the women’s sports college being developed in Lohaghat at an estimated cost of ₹256.97 crore. He said the institution would provide more opportunities for female athletes and encourage greater participation by women in competitive sport.
Healthcare and Transport Projects Highlighted
Turning to healthcare, Dhami said arrangements had been made for specialist consultations, regular health checks and free medicine distribution in the area.
He added that a 50-bed critical care block, to be constructed in the district at a cost of ₹20 crore, would strengthen treatment facilities for seriously ill patients.
The Chief Minister also referred to the modern interstate bus terminal being developed in Tanakpur at an estimated cost of ₹237.74 crore. He said the project would improve transport services and regional connectivity.
Development works associated with Maa Purnagiri Dham and the Sharda Corridor, he added, would support religious tourism while creating opportunities for local businesses and employment.
Three Vehicles Handed Over for Forest Work
Dhami flagged off three Tata Yodha vehicles provided through the Tanakpur Power Station’s CSR initiative to the Haldwani and Champawat forest divisions.
He said the vehicles would assist departmental operations and support forest and environmental conservation activities.
Banbasa Municipal Council Chairperson Rekha Devi, District Magistrate Manish Kumar, Superintendent of Police Rekha Yadav, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Pramod Kumar, Tanakpur Power Station head Rishi Ranjan Arya, public representatives, athletes, women’s groups and local residents attended the event.
