Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, addressing the recent tunnel mishap on the Char Dham route, emphasized the importance of balancing development and safety.
Dhami acknowledged the significance of "Vikas" (development) for the state but highlighted that safety takes precedence.He stated that the state's development model would consider ecological concerns, calling attention to the need for industrial growth without compromising the environment.
Following the 17-day rescue operation that saved 41 laborers from the under-construction tunnel, criticism regarding inadequate security measures prompted Dhami to announce safety audits for the Char Dham project, ordered by the Centre.
The CM also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I thank God and the Prime Minister that he kept asking about the ops. He guided us. He helped us get every machine we needed. That is why we were successful," he said.