PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
While reviewing the status of GPS based machinery tracking, one-way system, diversion plan, road signs, reflectors and crash barriers pertaining to the upcoming Char Dham Yatra, the Tourism, Public Works and Culture minister Satpal Maharaj directed the officers concerned to assess the condition of all the stretches along the pilgrimage route as well as to keep all 13 alternative routes ready for a safe and smooth pilgrimage. Notably, the Yatra is commencing on April 19 with the portal opening of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines. Officers from several departments, including PWD, Tourism and Irrigation, were present at the review meeting held at Yamuna Colony in Dehradun on Saturday.
The minister said that the first thing that the pilgrims should do after the Yatra starts is pray for world peace. He further gave instructions to the officers concerned to ensure cleanliness in the permanent and makeshift toilets as well as adequate availability of free toilets and water for the devotees in all petrol pumps and hotels along the Yatra route.
Citing the rising river levels due to silt in several places, including Bhatwari, affecting roads, he instructed the Irrigation officials to complete the river channelisation work on time. He also directed officials to identify the accident-prone areas as well as map and prioritise sensitive locations.
He told the Tourism department officials to have the distance between petrol pumps, hospitals and restaurants clearly marked through sign boards. Instructions have also been given to ensure that sign boards regarding availability of free WC (Western Commode Toilet) are displayed outside the restaurants so that tourists do not face any inconvenience.
The officers concerned were directed to ensure that the waiters and other staff in hotels, restaurants and dhabas wear gloves for hygienic purposes.
While the Gangotri MLA Suresh Singh Chauhan participated virtually, the PWD secretary Pankaj Pandey and Tourism secretary Dhiraj Singh Garbyal along with several others were present.
