Uttarakhand renames 15 sites to boost ‘Heritage’ pride

On Monday, Uttarakhand’s government announced renaming 15 places across Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar districts. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the decision reflected public sentiments and honored Indian culture. “We aim to inspire people through great figures who helped preserve our culture,” Dhami stated.

In Haridwar, places like Aurangzebpur will become Shivaji Nagar, and Ghaziwali will turn into Arya Nagar. Other name changes include Chandpur to Jyotiba Phule Nagar and Mohammadpur Jat to Mohanpur Jat. In Dehradun, Mianwala will become Ramji Wala, and Peerwala will turn into Kesari Nagar.

Nainital will see Nawabi Road renamed Atal Marg, and Udham Singh Nagar’s Sultanpur Patti will become Kaushalya Puri.

BJP’s Manveer Singh Chauhan welcomed the move, highlighting its role in promoting India’s heritage. “Renaming places named after foreign invaders helps restore our culture,” he said.

However, Congress vice president Suryakant Dhasmana criticized the timing of the announcement. “It diverts attention from key issues like unemployment and hill migration. The BJP’s agenda seems more focused on religious polarization,” he argued.