DEHRADUN: In preparation for the upcoming Char Dham Yatra 2025, a tabletop exercise was conducted on Tuesday by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA). The exercise aimed to assess disaster preparedness and strengthen coordination among departments under the Incident Response System (IRS).
During the session, officials were briefed in detail on their responsibilities during potential disaster situations that may occur during the Yatra, such as landslides, floods, earthquakes, fires, avalanches, heavy rainfall, snowstorms, helicopter or road accidents, and stampedes. Departments were directed to ensure seamless coordination and effective execution of relief and rescue operations during emergencies.
A mock drill is scheduled for April 24, 2025, to evaluate on-ground readiness for such scenarios. NDMA officials emphasized that the exercise will help identify potential technical and logistical gaps and allow for immediate corrective measures. The focus will be on enhancing inter-departmental coordination and ensuring that response mechanisms function smoothly at all levels.
Senior officials from various departments and districts participated in the tabletop exercise, including Additional District Magistrate KK Mishra, City Magistrate Pratyush Singh, Superintendent of Police RA Jaya Baluni, Chief Education Officer VK Dhodiyal, and ACMO Dr CS Rawat from Dehradun district.
Opening Dates for the Char Dham Shrines:
Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham: April 30
Kedarnath Dham: May 2
Badrinath Dham: May 4
Hemkund Sahib: May 25
Preparations for the ceremonial opening of the temple doors are currently underway and will be conducted with full traditional rituals.
