PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Uttarkashi
A day before the portals of Yamunotri Dham open, marking the commencement of this year’s Char Dham Yatra, the district magistrate, Prashant Arya reached the shrine on Saturday and inspected the route, security arrangements, facilities, sanitation and crowd control arrangements for the pilgrims.
The DM conducted a field inspection of the approximately five- km- long bridle path, checking the condition of parapets, rain shelters, drinking water, electricity supply, medical facilities, toilets and signboards. He directed that all arrangements should remain operational even after the pilgrimage begins. An alternative route was also inspected so that it could be used in case of emergency or sudden surge in pilgrim footfalls.
Changing rooms, cleanliness and other amenities around the shrine complex were also reviewed. The DM spoke with devotees along the route and gathered feedback on the arrangements.
At Jankichatti, the DM inspected the horse camp, parking and medical facilities and passenger amenities. The district panchayat officials were instructed to ensure adequate hot water supply at the horse and mule stables along the route. They were also asked to maintain a well-organised system of prepaid counters and rotation for horse and mule services.
The administration has made special preparations for crowd control. Signboards have been installed at all major stops and security personnel have been deployed. Sulabh International and the district Panchayat have been instructed to monitor the cleanliness along the pilgrimage route daily. They have been asked to ensure regular cleaning of garbage, dustbins, and horse and mule dung along the routes.
