Char Dham Yatra Management Must Be Guided by ‘Safe Travel, Smooth Darshan and Continuous Communication’: CM Dhami
Pilgrim safety remains the highest priority; all departments must stay fully alert during the monsoon season
Strict enforcement of the ban on vehicle movement on pilgrimage routes from 10 PM to 4 AM
Comprehensive SOP to be prepared for capacity-based darshan management; crowd control must be scientific and phased
Food, parking and other basic facilities to be ensured at holding areas
DMs and SPs of Char Dham districts directed to regularly review and strengthen arrangements
Dehradun, June 2: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday directed officials to adopt “Safe Travel, Smooth Darshan and Continuous Communication” as the guiding principle for Char Dham Yatra management. Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Secretariat, he said that better coordination, effective communication and systematic management would make the pilgrimage safer and more successful.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to prepare a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for managing darshan arrangements at all four shrines in accordance with their carrying capacities and the number of pilgrims visiting. He emphasized strict implementation of the restriction on vehicular movement along Char Dham routes between 10 PM and 4 AM. He reiterated that the safety of pilgrims is the State Government’s top priority.
He also directed that trucks and other heavy vehicles associated with essential services be allowed to operate only during nighttime hours, while their movement during the day should remain restricted.
Scientific and Phased Crowd Management
The Chief Minister said that if the number of pilgrims at any shrine or major halt exceeds the prescribed capacity, movement of vehicles and devotees should be regulated at lower-level holding areas and key checkpoints. He stressed the need for a phased crowd-management system to ensure pilgrims are allowed to proceed in a controlled manner, preventing overcrowding and disorder at the shrines.
He instructed officials to ensure adequate arrangements for parking, food, drinking water, toilets and other essential facilities at places where pilgrims may be required to wait. He further stated that pilgrims should not only be stopped when necessary but should also be informed about the reasons for delays, expected waiting times and subsequent arrangements.
Dhami directed all personnel associated with police, administration and pilgrimage management to maintain a sensitive, courteous and cooperative approach towards pilgrims.
Continuous Information Flow for Pilgrims
The Chief Minister said that pilgrims should never face a lack of information under any circumstances. He directed authorities to provide regular updates through public announcement systems, LED display boards, social media platforms, WhatsApp channels and FM radio services.
Information regarding road blockages, weather changes, traffic congestion or delays in darshan should be communicated promptly to avoid confusion and dissatisfaction among pilgrims.
Greater Vigilance Required During Monsoon Phase
Dhami noted that the first phase of the Char Dham Yatra had been successfully managed through coordinated efforts of the administration, police, disaster management authorities and other departments. However, he cautioned that the pilgrimage is now entering a more challenging phase, with monsoon conditions and adverse weather posing significant risks.
He instructed officials to conduct daily reviews of feedback, complaints and suggestions received from pilgrims and to take immediate corrective measures wherever necessary.
Advance Deployment of Disaster Response Resources
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure advance deployment of JCBs, Pokland machines, satellite phones, ambulances and rescue equipment at vulnerable locations so that immediate action can be taken in the event of emergencies or road blockages.
He also instructed all officers to remain actively present in the field, regularly inspect arrangements and provide prompt assistance to pilgrims.
Regular Monitoring by Garhwal Commissioner and IG
Dhami directed the Garhwal Commissioner and Inspector General of Police, Garhwal Range, to continuously review all pilgrimage arrangements and ensure swift resolution of issues faced by pilgrims and local residents. He also instructed District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police in all Char Dham districts to maintain constant monitoring and effective management of the pilgrimage.
The Chief Minister further directed authorities to ensure mandatory display of rate lists at hotels, restaurants and roadside eateries operating along the pilgrimage routes. Regular sampling and quality checks of food items should also be conducted.
Focus on Cleanliness and Medical Facilities
Emphasizing cleanliness as a top priority, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure adequate toilet facilities and regular sanitation along the pilgrimage and trekking routes leading to the shrines.
To facilitate timely treatment of critically ill pilgrims, he instructed the appointment of a state-level nodal officer for helicopter ambulance services. This would enable District Magistrates to coordinate quickly and transport patients to higher medical centers when required.
He also directed authorities to install sufficient shelters along the Kedarnath trekking route to protect pilgrims from rain and harsh sunlight.
The meeting was attended by Cabinet Ministers Satpal Maharaj and Bharat Chaudhary, MLA Anil Nautiyal, senior administrative and police officials, and representatives of various agencies associated with the Char Dham Yatra. Several public representatives, officials and members of the temple management committees also joined the meeting virtually.
