Uttarakhand's Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami recently reached Barkot to assess the ongoing preparations for the Char Dham Yatra, a pivotal spiritual journey in the region. During his visit to the newly established registration and inspection center on the Yamunotri National Highway, CM Dhami engaged with travelers, taking stock of their issues firsthand. His trip comes on the heels of growing congestion concerns on the Yamunotri Dham route, prompting vital questions about the government's handling of the situation. Addressing the challenges, the CM, alongside other officials, has taken to the field to review and rectify the circumstances.
Just a day prior, CM Dhami had convened a meeting with top officials, including Chief Secretary Radha Raturi and DGP Abhinav Kumar. There, he issued firm directives emphasizing that no one should bypass the rules under any recommendation, urging officials to strictly regulate the pilgrimage in accordance with established norms.
In his commitment to a seamless and disciplined pilgrimage experience, CM Dhami has clarified that no one may embark on the journey without proper registration. He calls upon travelers to avoid participating without registration or a health checkup, and he has advocated for a more effective and efficient registration system using modern software. Effective communication with the pilgrims is also a priority to ensure a well-coordinated journey.
Officials are tasked with ensuring successful completion of the Char Dham Yatra, maintaining strict registration checks throughout the pilgrimage, which remains open until the closing of the shrine gates. Crowd management and preventing traffic jams are critical directives, stressing the importance of safety and stringent checks for all. A mismanaged pilgrimage is not an option.
CM Dhami advocates for orderly and planned invitations to the devotees corresponding to the capacity of the pilgrimage sites. Rigorous checks at entry points along all routes are mandated, including Vikasnagar, Yamuna Bridge, Dhanaulti, and Suvakholi, among others. All departments must collaborate and coordinate, ensuring on-field inspections and the effective running of the pilgrimage. The significance of Char Dham is paramount, and its value must be maintained. Ground-level officers are encouraged to set up camps and deliver services, ensuring no additional charges on helicopter service tickets. The pilgrimage connects people nationwide, making the safeguarding of lives a primary mission.
