Dehradun: Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan chaired a high-level meeting at the Secretariat auditorium today to review the preparations for the upcoming Char Dham Yatra. He emphasized the importance of ensuring a safe, smooth, and well-organized pilgrimage and instructed all departments to complete their tasks on time for the foolproof management of Yatra routes.
Taking stock of previous directions, the Chief Secretary received updates from various secretaries: Yugal Kishore Pant reported on the Kedarnath route, Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar on the Badrinath route, Dr. B.V.R.C. Purushottam on Gangotri Dham, and Dr. Neeraj Khairwal on Yamunotri Dham. He directed the concerned District Magistrates to act upon the feedback and resolve any existing issues immediately. Bardhan stressed the need to proactively assess all requirements along the Yatra routes and ensure readiness well before the Yatra commences.
The Chief Secretary issued instructions to all implementing agencies to carry out the development work with seriousness and sensitivity, ensuring completion within set deadlines. He also called for the provision of essential amenities across all four Dhams and their approach roads. In particular, UPCL has been asked to resolve the issue of low voltage in the Dhams on priority.
One of the key directives included making the new hospital in Kedarnath operational before the Yatra begins. Bardhan also underscored the importance of preventive healthcare measures. He instructed officials to set up additional health screening centres in Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Vikasnagar, enabling early health check-ups for pilgrims.
Addressing the expected influx of vehicles, the Chief Secretary called for a comprehensive traffic management plan tailored to local conditions. He also emphasized the need to identify and establish multi-level parking areas, along with facilities for accommodation, food, and health services near parking zones.
In a move to promote environmental responsibility, Bardhan proposed the development of Smriti Vans (memorial groves) where devotees can plant trees along the Yatra routes to commemorate their pilgrimage.
To manage traffic congestion due to landslides or accidents, he directed the Public Works Department to install digital display boards along the routes to provide real-time updates to pilgrims. Until this system is in place, bulk SMS and WhatsApp alerts should be used. He also instructed immediate and long-term treatment of potential landslide-prone areas.
Cleanliness was another area of focus. Bardhan stressed the importance of maintaining hygiene along the Yatra routes and ensuring proper water and sanitation facilities at Sulabh toilets. He directed that funds for cleanliness be drawn from the Tied Fund, the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board, and the 15th Finance Commission.
To streamline services, the Chief Secretary ordered RFID tagging of all service providers, including shopkeepers and horse/cart operators, across all four Dhams. District Magistrates were asked to ensure proper tent accommodations are set up for devotees.
The meeting was attended by Secretaries Shailesh Bagoli, Nitesh Kumar Jha, Sachin Kurve, Dr. B.V.R.C. Purushottam, Dr. Pankaj Kumar Pandey, Chandresh Kumar Yadav, Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar, Dr. Neeraj Khairwal, Commissioner Garhwal Vinay Shankar Pandey, Secretary Jugal Kishore Pant, Director General of Information Banshidhar Tiwari, as well as District Magistrates and senior officials from Yatra-related districts via video conferencing.
