Committee to present report within 1 month on formation of Yatra authority
Sunday, 26 MAY 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Considering the unprecedented number of people who have arrived in the State for the Char Dham Yatra since its start earlier this month, the State government has formed a high level committee (HLC) to guide the direct officials involved in facilitating the pilgrimage. This step has been taken to ensure that the pilgrims have a convenient and safe experience while undertaking the Yatra.
According to the office memo issued by chief secretary Radha Raturi, lakhs of people from across the nation and abroad undertake the Char Dham Yatra every year. Consistent improvement in facilities for the pilgrims in recent years have resulted in a considerable rise in the number of pilgrims. Ensuring the conduct of the Yatra without disruption and facilitating convenient Darshan of the Char Dham deities for the pilgrims is a top priority for the government. There has been an unprecedented increase in the number of pilgrims visiting the Char Dham this year. A high level committee is being formed to regularly monitor the Yatra and issue necessary instructions to officials related to the pilgrimage, Raturi stated. This HLC will be headed by the additional chief secretary, Finance. The Home secretary will be its member with the Tourism secretary as the member coordinator. The other members of this high level committee include the additional director general of police (Law and Order), Garhwal commissioner and the inspector general of police (Garhwal). The chairman of the committee can invite any subject expert officer from time to time. This committee will also prepare a detailed action plan for ensuring effective and smooth conduct of all pilgrimages conducted in the State. Further, this high level committee will also prepare and submit a report regarding the formation of a Yatra authority or any other body for making pilgrimages to various religious sites in the State smooth and convenient within one month, the chief secretary stated.
