SRINAGAR, UTTARAKHAND: A comprehensive review meeting regarding preparations for the upcoming Char Dham Yatra 2025 was held at the Vikas Bhawan auditorium under the chairmanship of Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey. The agenda of the meeting included key topics such as forest fire prevention, drinking water supply, road improvement, the CM helpline, and other development initiatives.
Commissioner Pandey emphasized that all departments must work in close coordination to ensure the safe and successful execution of the Char Dham Yatra. He directed that all preparatory tasks at the divisional level be completed by April 25. Following the meeting, he conducted an inspection of the ongoing asphalting and patchwork on the Pauri-Devprayag stretch of State Highway-31 and near Dwaridhar Gaushala, urging Public Works Department (PWD) officials to expedite the remaining work.
Highlighting Srinagar’s strategic importance along the Yatra route, the Commissioner pointed out the urgent need for improved traffic and parking arrangements. He instructed the district administration to identify dharamshalas and night shelters to provide free accommodation for destitute pilgrims. Additionally, he directed that all water supply points along the Yatra route remain fully functional and public toilets be kept clean and accessible.
Addressing road infrastructure, he asked the District Magistrate of Garhwal to survey the condition of rural motor roads and submit a comprehensive report. He further reviewed preparations to combat forest fires, commending the district-level innovations, especially the public awareness campaigns and the implementation of the Sheetalakhet model in over 30 villages. He stressed the need for community participation and departmental coordination in forest fire prevention.
In response to the anticipated summer water demand, Commissioner Pandey directed officials of the Jal Sansthan and Jal Nigam to extend water pumping schedules and ensure alternative supply measures via tankers, if required.
Inspector General Garhwal, Rajiv Swaroop, suggested a dry run of the parking and traffic management plans in Srinagar before the Yatra begins. He underlined the importance of robust accommodation, traffic, and parking strategies to manage the heavy influx of pilgrims during the Yatra season.
The meeting was attended by key district officials, including District Magistrate Dr. Ashish Chauhan, Senior Superintendent of Police Lokeshwar Singh, Chief Development Officer Girish Gunwant, Joint Magistrate Deepak Ramchandra Shet, and other department heads, who reviewed and discussed their respective responsibilities.
