Guv reviews Yatra preparations, issues directions to ensure convenience & safety of pilgrims
Friday, 29 April 2022 | PNS | Dehradun
Governor lieutenant general (retd) Gurmit Singh said that all departments will have to work in coordination to facilitate the Char Dham Yatra. He directed that the convenience and safety of the pilgrims should be taken care of. Value addition should be made using technology. The governor said this while chairing a meeting with senior officials to review preparations for the Char Dham Yatra on Thursday.
Stating that the local residents are an indispensable part of the Yatra, he said that the pilgrimage is not possible without their involvement. Attention should also be paid to facilities for all including the hoteliers, transporters and small shop owners. Singh said that technology should be used to make value additions. Facilities should be provided to the pilgrims through technologies like mobile phone applications, drones and artificial intelligence. A market should be provided through the Yatra for local products especially those made by women self help groups. “This is not a 9 to 5 job, one has to work with a sense of complete dedication. The disaster management machinery should also be kept ready during the Yatra. Considering the importance of the police and first responders during a disaster scenario, they need to remain alert,” said the governor.
Additional chief secretary Radha Raturi and director general of police Ashok Kumar informed that necessary steps have been taken for the safety of pilgrims during the Char Dham Yatra. Traffic police have been posted at 133 spots for traffic management.
Transport secretary Arvind Singh Hyanki said that 1,808 buses have been marked for the Yatra while 500 additional buses are also being arranged. Yatra cell has been formed for fitness and document checks of vehicles at 19 places from where 1,586 green cards have been issued so far. Further, 166 trip cards have been issued from the online portal.
Medical Health secretary Radhika Jha informed that doctors are being posted on rotation basis on the Yatra routes. To overcome the problem of cardiologist, 35 doctors are being trained to provide primary treatment to heart patients for now. Telemedicine services will also be taken during the pilgrimage, she said. The Potable Water secretary Nitesh Jha said that 100 water ATMs are being installed on the Yatra routes this time. It is the priority of the department to provide clean drinking water to the pilgrims, he added.
The Disaster Management secretary Ranjit Sinha said that Tehsil disaster management centres are active on the Yatra circuit. Local residents are also being selected and being trained as Apada Mitra, he said.
