The country gained independence in 1947. British Garhwal directly became a part of the Indian Union while Tehri Garhwal state acceded to it. 

At present, this tract consists of the districts of Dehradun, Pauri, Tehri, Uttarkashi and Chamoli which are a part of the to be constituted state of Uttaranchal. This region has embarked on the path of development. The people elect representatives to the state assembly and to the Lok Sabha.

Garhwal is also famous for its  peasant movements, both, against the oppressions of the monarchy, the high-handedness of the British, and also against the depredation of its forests carried out by forest contractors.

The last gave rise to the famous Chipko movement against the felling of trees, which became famous throughout the world for its non-violent character and people’s involvement.

A long standing demand since Independence had been for the formation of a separate hill state called Uttarakhand on the lines of Himachal Pradesh.
This demand reached a climax in the nineties, and, once again, the people resorted to a successful non-violent campaign for their due rights. The demand was finally met by the Indian Parliament in the monsoon session of 2000. 

The act has received the assent of the President of India and by November, 2000, the new state of Uttaranchal will have been constituted. It will comprise of the former divisions of Garhwal and Kumaon, along with the holy city of Hardwar.