The Bhagirathi River, considered sacred as the origin of the Ganga, was the site of several hydroelectric projects. In 2003, environmentalists and local communities raised strong objections to the Loharinag Pala and other projects, fearing loss of cultural and ecological heritage.

The 2003 industrial policy emphasized developing pharmaceutical clusters, IT parks, and food processing units, especially in areas like Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pantnagar, offering tax incentives and SEZ proposals to attract investors.

Nanda Devi National Park, along with the Valley of Flowers, was already recognized for its biodiversity. In 2003, efforts were intensified to meet UNESCO requirements for World Heritage Site status, focusing on sustainable tourism and protection of alpine ecosystems.

In 2003, the Van Panchayat Rights Movement intensified, with locals demanding greater control over forest resources and grazing rights. This movement emphasized community participation in forest conservation and the rollback of restrictive state forest policies.

Bageshwar had been declared a district in 1997 (under UP), but in 2003 the state government undertook administrative strengthening and development of newly formed districts like Bageshwar to improve governance in remote regions.

JICA partnered with the Uttarakhand government to implement eco-restoration, afforestation, and forest-based livelihood projects, especially in regions prone to soil erosion and degradation, helping balance development and ecology.

Although construction began earlier, the Tehri Dam Project reached critical stages in 2003. It sparked environmental, seismic, and displacement concerns among local communities and activists. The government faced protests despite progress on the hydroelectric and irrigation benefits.

In 2003, the Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Committee was formed to recommend measures for the economic development of hilly areas. The committee emphasized the need for tailored policies that addressed regional disparity and promoted sustainable growth in remote parts of the state.

Recognizing local culture, the Uttarakhand government supported the inclusion and promotion of Garhwali and Kumaoni in cultural events and administrative representation, though Hindi remained the official language.

Saharanpur remained a part of Uttar Pradesh; it is not included in Uttarakhand.

Indramani Badoni is referred to as the 'Gandhi of Uttarakhand' for his leadership in the movement for the separate statehood of Uttarakhand.

Due to limited job opportunities in the hill regions, youth migration to metros and other states for work was a growing trend even in 2002.

The PMGSY aimed at connecting rural villages with all-weather roads. In a hilly state like Uttarakhand, this scheme was a key focus area for improving access and development.

Being a hill state with fragile ecosystems, deforestation, landslides, and ecological imbalance were major environmental concerns in 2002.

The Congress emerged as the single largest party in the 2002 elections and formed the government under Narayan Dutt Tiwari.

Uttarakhand has a 70-member Legislative Assembly. All 70 seats were contested in the 2002 election.

The first Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) elections in Uttarakhand were held on February 14, 2002, following the creation of the state in 2000.

In 2002, forest produce such as resin, herbs, and timber generated nearly ₹90 crore annually, showing the importance of forest-based livelihoods in the state’s economy.

These districts were identified for their potential in litchi cultivation and export. Uttarakhand’s agro-climatic conditions support litchi farming, especially in the plains and lower hills.

A large portion of the workforce from Uttarakhand was employed in other states or the armed forces. Their remittances, often sent via money orders, formed a significant part of the state’s income.

Due to its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty, forest-based products and tourism were major contributors to Uttarakhand’s economy in 2002. Industrial development was still in early stages.

The Uttarakhand Forest Policy 2001 was implemented to ensure sustainable forest management, conservation of biodiversity, and to meet the ecological and livelihood needs of the local population.

On January 26, 2001, a devastating earthquake struck Bhuj in Gujarat, causing widespread damage and loss of life. The tremors were felt in several northern states, including Uttarakhand, highlighting the need for improved disaster preparedness.

The Uttarakhand Forest Policy 2001 was implemented to ensure sustainable forest management, conservation of biodiversity, and to meet the ecological and livelihood needs of the local population.

Uttarakhand Statehood Day is celebrated on November 9 each year, marking the day the state was carved out of Uttar Pradesh in 2000.

Ashok Abhaiendra Desai served as the first Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court upon its establishment in 2001.

Upon its formation on November 9, 2000, the state was named Uttaranchal. It was officially renamed Uttarakhand in 2007 to reflect local sentiments.

The Uttarakhand High Court was established in Nainital in 2001, following the formation of the state in November 2000.