CM Dhami emphasizes coordination and accountability for smooth Char Dham yatra

Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has virtually reviewed of the Char Dham Yatra from New Delhi on Friday. He emphasized to have mutual coordination among all departments for the smooth flow of the Yatra. He also warned that negligence at any level would not be tolerated anymore.

CM Dhami announced the formation of a committee, chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Anand Bardhan, to ensure continuous monitoring of the Char Dham Yatra. He directed high-ranking government officials and IG-level state police officers to maintain a consistent presence on the Yatra routes to oversee its efficient management. The Chief Minister stressed that officials would be held accountable if devotees reached the Dhams without proper registration.

The Chief Minister highlighted the need for equal darshan time for all devotees in the temples, with special priority given to senior citizens during registration and darshan arrangements. To avoid congestion at the Dhams, CM Dhami instructed officials to stagger the departure times of trains heading to Kedarnath and Badrinath from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and other halting points. He also suggested extending the darshan time in coordination with the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) if necessary.

With the upcoming monsoon season, CM Dhami called for thorough preparations to address potential issues that pilgrims might face during the rainy period. He urged officials to ensure regular cleaning at the Dhams, checkpoints, stop points, and along the Yatra route. Additionally, provisions for packed snacks, drinking water, and other basic facilities at halting places should be secured for the devotees. An additional police force should be deployed as needed to manage the influx of pilgrims.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure the Yatra runs smoothly, and it is our duty to serve the devotees,” stated CM Dhami.

The virtual meeting saw the participation of several senior officials, including Chief Secretary Radha Raturi, Principal Secretary R.K. Sudhanshu, Secretary Shailesh Bagauli, Dilip Jawalkar, Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, ADG Amit Sinha, IG K.S. Naganyal, Additional Secretary Tourism Yugal Kishore Pant, and District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police from various districts.

The Chief Minister’s directives aim to enhance the experience of the pilgrims and ensure the Char Dham Yatra remains a well-organized and safe spiritual journey for all.