Ahead of the imminent commencement of the revered Char Dham Yatra, slated to kick off with the opening of Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Kedarnath on May 10, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has convened a crucial review meeting at the secretariat today. This meeting aims to evaluate the preparedness of district administrations in ensuring a smooth and safe pilgrimage experience for devotees.
He also reviewed the arrangements, which have been made or being made for the convenience of pilgrims. He also directed the officials to ensure all necessary arrangements should be in place before the commencement of the yatra. He stressed the importance of conducting on-site inspections by departmental secretaries to oversee preparations firsthand.
Underlining the significance of maintaining law and order and enhancing traffic management during the yatra, the Chief Minister instructed the Chief Secretary to convene weekly meetings to monitor progress. Additionally, the Director General of Police was tasked with conducting on-site inspections to assess the ground situation and ensure effective traffic control.
In a bid to cater to the healthcare needs of elderly devotees, arrangements for private healthcare testing kits along the yatra route were also discussed. Furthermore, steps to enhance plastic and garbage management along the pilgrimage routes were emphasized to preserve the sanctity of the surroundings.
Highlighting the importance of safety and decency for all yatra participants, the Chief Minister emphasized the verification of horse and mule drivers and the provision of adequate facilities for their animals. Moreover, directives were issued to ensure proper arrangements for the comfort and security of all devotees, including the provision of essential amenities such as electricity, drinking water, and sanitation facilities.
The Chief Minister also underscored the importance of leveraging information technology and social media platforms to disseminate timely updates and information to yatra participants. Efforts to strengthen the information system and provide multilingual directories were emphasized to enhance the overall yatra experience.
With the portals of the Chardham Dham set to open soon, preparations are in full swing to accommodate the influx of devotees. As more than 15 lakh devotees have already registered online for the yatra, officials are working tirelessly to ensure a seamless and spiritually enriching experience for all pilgrims.
Moreover, in light of the looming threat of forest fires, the Chief Minister urged all departments to remain vigilant and collaborate closely to prevent incidents. Strengthening the information system and fostering community participation were identified as crucial steps in forest fire prevention efforts.
The meeting, attended by key ministers and officials, underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring the success and safety of the upcoming Chardham Yatra. With meticulous planning and coordination, authorities are poised to facilitate a memorable and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage experience for all devotees.