PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Uttarkashi
During this two-day tour of the Yamuna valley to check arrangements in Yamunotri Dham, the Uttarkashi district magistrate Prashant Arya conducted site inspections on Sunday. Considering the rising pilgrim numbers and fluctuations in the weather, the DM inspected the Yatra route, security arrangements and basic facilities while directing officials concerned to ensure that the pilgrimage is convenient, safe and systematic.
Interacting with the locals at Syanachatti, Arya listened to their issues. The local villagers raised issues including those related to the roads, drinking water, sanitation and disaster related issues. The DM directed officials concerned on the spot to ensure swift redressal of the problems being faced by the locals. Stating that focus during the Char Dham Yatra is not limited to the pilgrims, he said that resolving the problems of the locals is also a priority of the administration. Inspecting the ongoing channelisation in Yamuna river and removal of debris, he expressed dissatisfaction at the slow pace of work while directing the department concerned to clear the remaining debris and also deepen the riverbed further so that the disaster risk can be tackled effectively during the rains. Directing the officials to speed up the work, he warned that any negligence in the work will not be tolerated.
Checking the condition of Yatra routes, safety arrangements, medical services and disaster management preparations, Arya directed officials to regularly monitor the vulnerable sites while also ensuring that all necessary arrangements for the convenience of the pilgrims are completed on time. He stressed on the need for further improving sanitation, drinking water supply and traffic management.
Sub divisional magistrate of Badkot, Brijesh Tiwari, executive engineer Manoj Rawat and other departmental officials along with local residents were also present during the inspections conducted by the DM.
