Uttarakhand: The Char Dham Yatra is currently at its peak. So far, more than 2.8 million devotees have visited the Char Dhams. With a large influx of pilgrims expected before the onset of the monsoon, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a high-level review meeting regarding the Char Dham Yatra arrangements at the Secretariat today, Tuesday, June 2.
During the meeting, CM Dhami instructed officials that the guiding principles for Char Dham Yatra management must be “Safe Travel, Smooth Darshan, and Continuous Communication.” He stated that the pilgrimage could be made even safer and more successful through better coordination, effective communication, and systematic management.
CM Dhami directed that a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) be formulated to streamline the *Darshan* (worship) arrangements at all four Dhams, based on the number of pilgrims present at each location. He emphasized that the ban on vehicular movement on Char Dham Yatra routes between 10:00 PM and 4:00 AM must be strictly enforced. The safety of pilgrims remains the state government’s top priority. Trucks and other heavy vehicles associated with essential services should be permitted on the pilgrimage routes only during the night, while their operation should remain restricted during the day.
CM Dhami stated that in the event of overcrowding—exceeding the designated capacity—at any of the Dhams or transit points, the movement of vehicles and pilgrims must be regulated at the holding areas and major checkpoints located further down the route. A phased approach to crowd management should be adopted to facilitate the onward movement of pilgrims, thereby preventing any chaotic situations from arising within the Dhams.
He directed that adequate arrangements for parking, food, drinking water, restrooms, and other basic amenities be ensured at all locations where pilgrims are being temporarily halted or accommodated. During crowd control operations, pilgrims should not merely be stopped; rather, they must be provided with information regarding the reasons for the halt, the anticipated waiting time, and the arrangements in place for their onward journey.
Finally, he instructed all officials and personnel associated with the police, administration, and Yatra management to ensure that they maintain a sensitive, courteous, and cooperative demeanor toward the pilgrims. Furthermore, he emphasized that under no circumstances should pilgrims be left uninformed or deprived of necessary information. To this end, essential information must be continuously disseminated through public information systems, LED displays, social media platforms, WhatsApp channels, and FM radio.
Furthermore, information regarding situations such as road obstructions, weather changes, traffic jams, or delays in *Darshan* (pilgrimage viewing) should be conveyed to travelers in a timely manner to prevent confusion and dissatisfaction. The Chief Minister stated that the first phase of the Char Dham Yatra has been successfully conducted through the coordinated efforts of the administration, police, disaster management, and other relevant departments. The pilgrimage is now entering its second—and more challenging—phase, wherein the monsoon season and adverse weather conditions will pose significant challenges. Consequently, the management of the pilgrimage must be conducted with heightened vigilance, stricter control, and a scientific approach.
Chief Minister Dhami also directed officials to conduct a daily review of feedback, complaints, and suggestions received from devotees, and to ensure that immediate corrective action is taken whenever necessary. The Chief Minister instructed that advance arrangements be made for JCBs, excavators (Poclain machines), satellite phones, ambulances, and relief and rescue equipment at sensitive locations, thereby enabling immediate action in the event of any emergency or road obstruction.
All officials were further directed to remain in the field to regularly inspect arrangements and to provide prompt assistance to devotees. The Chief Minister instructed the Garhwal Commissioner and the Inspector General (IG) of Garhwal to regularly review all arrangements for the Char Dham Yatra and to ensure the swift resolution of issues faced by devotees and local residents.
He directed the District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police of all districts associated with the Char Dham Yatra to ensure continuous monitoring and effective management of the pilgrimage arrangements. The Chief Minister also issued directives to ensure the mandatory display of rate lists at hotels, restaurants, and *dhabas* (roadside eateries) operating along the pilgrimage routes, as well as to conduct regular sampling of food items to verify their quality.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness at all four *Dhams* and along the pedestrian pilgrimage routes. He directed that an adequate number of toilets be provided along the walking trails and that their regular cleaning be ensured. Furthermore, he directed the appointment of a nodal officer at the state level to oversee the air ambulance service, ensuring that critical patients receive prompt medical attention; this arrangement would enable District Magistrates to establish immediate coordination when needed, facilitating the swift transfer of patients to higher medical centers. The Chief Minister also issued instructions to install a sufficient number of shelters along the Kedarnath trekking route for the convenience of pilgrims, and to ensure better arrangements for protection against rain and sun.
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