Dhami directs monsoon-ready arrangements on Char Dham route

Dehradun: Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed authorities concerned to ensure food and parking facilities at holding areas where pilgrims could be accommodated in emergencies on the Char Dham route during the monsoon.Dhami said a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) should be prepared to make darshan arrangements at all four shrines systematically, keeping in mind the number of devotees.If crowds exceed the designated capacity at any dham or stopover, the movement of vehicles and pilgrims should be regulated through holding areas and major checkpoints. “Pilgrims should be sent forward in a phased manner for crowd management so that a situation of disorder does not arise at the dhams,” the CMsaid.The CM said adequate food, drinking water, parking and other basic facilities should be ensured at holding areas. He also stressed the need to keep devotees regularly informed about the reasons for the stoppage, the likely waiting period and alternative arrangements.To reduce congestion on yatra routes, Dhami said trucks and other heavy vehicles associated with essential services should be allowed only during night hours and their movement should remain restricted during the day.

“The yatra is now entering its second and more challenging phase, where monsoon and adverse weather will be the primary challenges. In such a situation, yatra management should be conducted with greater alertness, control and a scientific approach,” he said.Dhami directed officials to ensure advance deployment of debris-removal machines, satellite phones, ambulances and relief and rescue equipment at sensitive locations so that immediate action can be taken in the event of road blockages or emergencies.Officials said over 29.8 lakh pilgrims have arrived this year in the first 44 days of the yatra compared to 26.3 lakh pilgrims in the same period last year.