Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the Char Dham Yatra is continuously setting new records, with more than 3.2 million (32 lakh) pilgrims having visited the shrines so far. He described the pilgrimage as a remarkable confluence of faith and devotion.
During a high-level review meeting, the Chief Minister instructed officials to prioritize the safety of pilgrims above all else.
Key Instructions
- Strengthen Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to manage increasing crowds.
- Strictly enforce the ban on vehicle movement from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. on pilgrimage routes.
- Allow only trucks and emergency-service vehicles during restricted hours.
- Restrict the movement of large vehicles during daytime where required.
Crowd Management Measures
The Chief Minister directed authorities to:
- Use holding areas and checkpoints when crowd capacity is exceeded.
- Regulate the flow of pilgrims in phases.
- Prevent overcrowding and maintain order.
He also stressed the need for adequate:
- Parking facilities
- Food arrangements
- Drinking water
- Toilets
- Timely public information
Monsoon Preparedness
With the pilgrimage entering a more challenging phase due to the approaching monsoon season, CM Dhami instructed officials to ensure:
- Scientific and proactive management.
- Daily review of pilgrim feedback and complaints.
- Deployment of JCBs, Pokland machines, ambulances, satellite phones, and rescue equipment at sensitive locations.
He further directed:
- Regular monitoring by the Garhwal Commissioner and IG Garhwal.
- Mandatory display of price lists at hotels, restaurants, and roadside eateries.
- Enhanced cleanliness across pilgrimage routes.
- Appointment of a state-level nodal officer for helicopter ambulance services.
- Construction of adequate shelters on the Kedarnath trekking route to protect pilgrims from rain and sunlight.
