Wednesday, 22 MAY 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the status of the Char Dham Yatra, arrangements for power and water supply along with measures for preventing forest fires. Chairing the meeting with chief secretary Radha Raturi and other senior officials at the secretariat on Tuesday evening, Dhami directed the officials to remain alert all the time. Maintaining coordination with officials connected with Yatra facilities, efforts should be made to ensure that the experience of the pilgrims is safe and pleasant. The aim of the government should be to provide all necessary facilities to all the devotees arriving in Uttarakhand, he said.
Stating that the pilgrimage is also connected to the State’s economy, the CM said that considering the rise in the number of pilgrims, collective efforts are needed to ensure a convenient and safe Yatra. Stressing that the State government is making consistent efforts to further improve arrangements for the pilgrimage, Dhami said that all the districts on the Char Dham Yatra circuit should work in coordination to further strengthen the arrangements. He emphasised that special focus should be laid on crowd management and sending devotees ahead as per the fixed capacity of the Char Dham. In case of pilgrims who have entered Uttarakhand without registration and wish to visit other religious and tourist spots barring the Char Dham, attempts should be made to send them to these locations. Dhami stressed that officials should remain active at the ground level and take feedback from the pilgrims too so that even small gaps can be filled without delay.
He also directed officials to ensure adequate drinking water arrangements considering the ongoing summer. This should also be ensured on the Char Dham circuit. Senior departmental officials concerned should also visit the field to check the arrangements. Tankers and other means should be used to supply water in places facing drinking water shortage, he added. Regarding the electricity supply, he directed UPCL, UJVNL and PTCUL to work in a coordinated manner to ensure adequate power supply to meet the rising demand. Referring to forest fires, he stressed on public awareness, adding that the help of public representatives should also be taken for this purpose.
