Dehradun – Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, during a high-level meeting held at the Secretariat on Monday, issued firm instructions to officials to ensure robust arrangements at the state’s prominent religious sites. With increasing footfall at temples such as Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi in Haridwar, Purnagiri Dham in Tanakpur, Kainchi Dham in Nainital, Jageshwar Temple in Almora, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Pauri, and other renowned pilgrimage centers, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of comprehensive planning and execution.
The Chief Minister directed that crowd management, compulsory devotee registration, widening of footpaths and stairs, removal of encroachments, and provision of all basic amenities must be prioritized. The goal, he said, is to ensure that devotees have a seamless and safe darshan experience.
To streamline these efforts, CM Dhami ordered the formation of a high-level committee under the chairmanship of the Commissioners of both Garhwal and Kumaon divisions. Members of the committee will include the respective District Magistrates, Senior Superintendents of Police, Vice Presidents of Development Authorities, and representatives from implementation agencies.
Highlighting the need for the planned development of temple complexes such as Mansa Devi and other major shrines, the Chief Minister called for an increase in carrying capacity, improved shop management, and a more organized darshan system. He emphasized that devotee registration should be made mandatory, and phased access should be implemented to regulate crowds effectively and minimize inconvenience.
Among those present at the meeting were Principal Secretary R.K. Sudhanshu, R. Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretaries Shailesh Bagoli and S.N. Pandey, Commissioner Garhwal Vinay Shankar Pandey, Additional Director General of Police A.P. Anshuman, Special Secretary Dr. Parag Madhukar Dhakate, and Additional Secretary Banshidhar Tiwari.
