Maharaj conducts surprise inspection of Yatra registration centre
New registration centre to open in Vikasnagar on May 14
Sunday, 12 MAY 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The Tourism, Culture and Public Works minister Satpal Maharaj conducted a surprise inspection of the Char Dham Yatra registration transit camp in Rishikesh on Saturday. Apart from the registration centres for pilgrims in Rishikesh and Haridwar, another registration centre will be opened for the pilgrims at Vikasnagar in Dehradun district on May 14, the minister said. Talking to the media after inspecting the centre in Rishikesh, Maharaj said that the registration of pilgrims is being undertaken properly in Rishikesh and Haridwar. However, the authorities have learned that those travelling via Vikasnagar from Saharanpur to undertake the pilgrimage using other routes are not registering with the government. Considering this, the government will start a registration centre in Vikasnagar on Tuesday, he said.
The minister said that all the officials concerned have been directed to make proper arrangements considering the large number of people undertaking the Char Dham Yatra. Apart from the pilgrims from outside Uttarakhand, the locals also arrive with Dolis of deities on the day of the reopening of the shrines so a bigger crowd is expected. There were some issues in the arrangements but the required improvements will be made soon, he said. The officials have been directed to attempt to control the number of registrations. Maharaj also directed officials of the Border Roads Organisation and the Public Works Department secretary to ensure that the debris are cleared soon from the road to Gangotri. He also appealed to the pilgrims to also use alternative routes and also visit other destinations in the State while returning from the Char Dham temples. The senior citizens undertaking the pilgrimage should rest for one night and then undertake the pilgrimage so that they get adequate time to acclimatise to the local weather conditions. Stating that the Char Dham Yatra is also a matter of prestige for Uttarakhand, the minister said that all the officials concerned must ensure that the visitors are accorded respect and hospitality.