Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan Reviews Kedarnath Yatra Arrangements, Instructs Early Preparations for 2026 Season
Rudraprayag: Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan visited the sacred Kedarnath Dham on Wednesday, where he offered prayers to Lord Baba Kedarnath and conducted an on-site inspection of the reconstruction and development works being carried out in the temple area.
During the visit, the Chief Secretary reviewed the progress, quality, and execution of various ongoing projects under different phases of reconstruction. He also assessed the arrangements made for pilgrims, including facilities, safety, and basic amenities in the shrine area.
Bardhan held a detailed review meeting with District Magistrate Prateek Jain and other officials. He directed them to ensure that quality, aesthetics, and religious sanctity are maintained in all development and reconstruction works.
He noted that the portals of Kedarnath Dham will close for the winter season on October 23, and instructed that adequate arrangements be made for security, material protection, and maintenance during snowfall conditions after the closure.
Emphasizing proactive planning, the Chief Secretary directed departments to begin early preparations for the 2026 Yatra season. He said that all departments should work with a pre-planned, coordinated approach so that pilgrims receive even better facilities in the upcoming season.
Bardhan stressed the importance of strengthening inter-departmental coordination among departments related to power, drinking water, health, communication, transport, security, and disaster management, ensuring smooth and efficient management during the pilgrimage period.
Appreciating the progress of ongoing reconstruction projects, the Chief Secretary said that Kedarnath Dham has become a national symbol of reconstruction and revival. He added that the government’s goal is not merely physical development, but to ensure a harmonious balance of faith and modern amenities, offering every pilgrim a sacred, safe, and divine experience.
Among those present during the visit were District Magistrate Prateek Jain, Superintendent of Police Akshay Prahlad Konde, Chief Executive Officer of the Temple Committee Vijay Thapliyal, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ukhimath Anil Shukla, Executive Engineer DDM Vinay Jhinkwan, and ARTO Rudraprayag Dharmendra Singh Bisht, along with other departmental officials.
