PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan (UJS) has recently presented a proposal worth about Rs 18 crore to the authorities concerned for the preparations for the Char Dham Yatra, UJS secretary (Appraisal) Maneesh Semwal said. The Char Dham Yatra this year will commence on April 19 with the reopening of Gangotri and Yamunotri. The portals of Kedarnath Dham will reopen on April 22 while Badrinath will reopen on April 23. The UJS has already started the initial preparations for the Yatra.
Semwal stated that with the announcement of the opening dates of Char Dham Yatra, the UJS has begun preparations for water facilities during the Yatra to enhance water services for the pilgrims. He said that each year, preparations are made and water infrastructure is established along the entire Yatra route to ensure improved services.
However, arrangements for water structures along the Kedarnath route were temporary due to various factors, including natural stream formations that affect their condition. He said that along the entire route during the Char Dham Yatra, hand pumps, water ATMs and others facilities are available. Additionally, he said that last year, geysers were installed for horses, which proved to be very successful. Given this positive outcome, more geysers will be set up for horses during this year’s Yatra.
Semwal also stated that an alternative route to Kedarnath Dham has been established this year. He added that plans for water facilities on the new alternative route will also be monitored. The estimated funding required for these arrangements was duly demanded.
He stated that in 2025, various water facilities were installed, including 206 tank-type stand posts, 367 pillar-type stand posts, 1,083 hand pumps, 57 water ATMs, 138 toilets and 34 water purifiers, along with 317 signboards, among others. He said that all these facilities will remain in use for this year, and additional water structures will be set up along the Yatra route in accordance with requirements. He also said that any necessary repairs for the non-functional water installations will be conducted promptly and activation of these water facilities will begin a few days before the Yatra.
Further, he said that the installed signboards will display a toll-free number for UJS and other relevant contact numbers for officials.
