Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met with Narendra Jeet Singh Bindra, Chairman of the Gurudwara Shri Hemkunt Sahib Management Trust, at the Secretariat on Monday. During the meeting, discussions were held regarding the successful completion of this year’s Hemkunt Sahib Yatra and preparations for the next pilgrimage season.
Chairman Bindra expressed heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister Dhami, the State Government, and the local administration for their extensive cooperation in ensuring smooth and well-coordinated arrangements during the Yatra. He said that the Chief Minister’s special attention and timely instructions played a decisive role in the successful management of the pilgrimage despite challenging weather conditions.
He informed that this year, a record 2.75 lakh devotees from across India and abroad visited the revered shrine of Hemkunt Sahib. Pilgrims widely appreciated the robust arrangements related to security, health, accommodation, and travel facilities. Bindra also presented key suggestions regarding the improvement of infrastructure, logistics, and amenities for future yatras.
Chief Minister Dhami assured that all necessary measures would be implemented on a priority basis before the commencement of the next Yatra season. He reiterated that the Hemkunt Sahib Yatra holds immense spiritual and cultural significance, standing alongside the Char Dham pilgrimage as a cornerstone of Uttarakhand’s religious tourism. The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government is committed to enhancing the facilities at all major pilgrimage centers to ensure a safe, convenient, and spiritually fulfilling experience for devotees.
Highlighting ongoing development initiatives, the Chief Minister stated that the proposed ropeway from Govindghat to Hemkunt Sahib will make travel in the Himalayan region easier and safer, further promoting faith-based tourism in the state.
It is noteworthy that just two months before the start of this year’s Yatra, a crucial bridge connecting Govindghat to the Hemkunt route was completely destroyed in a massive landslide. Under the Chief Minister’s direct supervision, a new valley bridge was constructed ahead of schedule, ensuring uninterrupted movement of pilgrims and preventing a major disruption in the Yatra.
Bindra also thanked the Chief Minister for issuing directions to organize the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur with grandeur and to raise public awareness about the Guru’s supreme sacrifice for the protection of religion and humanity. He expressed confidence that under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Dhami, the Hemkunt Sahib Yatra will continue to grow as a symbol of faith, unity, and efficient pilgrimage management.
