PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
A high-tech control room has been set up by the police to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the ongoing Char Dham Yatra. Inspector general of police (Garhwal) Rajeev Swaroop said that several dedicated desks have been created in the control room to assist pilgrims. “We have set up multiple desks, including a helicopter helpline desk. Most complaints are related to helicopter bookings. Pilgrims can get help to resolve their issues through this desk,” he said.
Swaroop said that the control room uses modern technology to monitor all major routes, temples and sensitive locations on the Yatra circuit. Live video feeds from key pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are displayed on large screens, which helps officials manage crowds and traffic more effectively. Advanced CCTV cameras and software are also being used to quickly identify traffic jams and any suspicious activities, he claimed.
“Our Char Dham Yatra control room is directly linked to the State disaster control room. If any message or alert needs to be sent in bulk to the areas where pilgrims are traveling, the district control room will forward that message to us. We will then send it to the State disaster control room. The State disaster control room will broadcast the advisory in bulk and the message will be delivered to all pilgrims in real time,” Swaroop added.
The police have also released dedicated helpline numbers 0135-2714484 and 9897846203 to assist pilgrims and staff are available in the control room 24 hours a day to solve their problems. This control room will also help in better coordination between police and district administrations, so that quick action can be taken in case of any emergency. The new system is expected to make the yatra safer, more organised and convenient for all devotees.
