Dehradun: Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan chaired a high-level review meeting for Char Dham Yatra 2026 preparations. Departments were instructed to complete assigned tasks promptly and efficiently to ensure a safe, smooth, and technology-enabled pilgrimage.
Health, Electricity, and Disaster Management:
Secretary Sachin Kurve was directed to make all hospitals along Kedarnath–Badrinath fully operational. The Energy Department was instructed to ensure uninterrupted and balanced voltage supply. Disaster management and police departments were asked to provide WhatsApp alerts to pilgrims in case of traffic jams, crowding, or emergencies, with weekly progress reports.
Emergency Preparedness:
Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey was tasked with determining duration and location in case the yatra needs to be temporarily halted. Equipment, tools, and assets were to be pre-positioned and mapped for quick deployment. Animal husbandry authorities were directed to coordinate registration, treatment, and emergency management of livestock along the routes.
Technology and Transparency:
QR codes were to be installed at key locations for pilgrims to access relevant information, and clear signage placed at all major points. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for yatra management were also mandated. District Magistrates of Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Uttarkashi were instructed to coordinate locally for effective implementation and crowd management plans.
Officials present included Principal Secretary R. K. Sudhanshu, ADG Dr. V. Murugesan, Secretary Ranbir Singh, D. S. Gabriyal, Brajesh Sant, Vinod Kumar Suman, Additional Secretary Banshidhar Tiwari, and representatives from departments including Police, Health, PWD, Disaster Management, Tourism, Transport, Power, Civil Aviation, IT, BSNL, ITDA, Char Dham Hotel Association Uttarakhand, and District Administrations.
