Pilgrims to be stopped at holding areas when crowds at Dhams exceeds capacity PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed the State administration to prepare a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for managing and streamlining the arrangements for Darshan at the Char Dhams. He gave the direction while chairing a high-level review meeting for the Char Dham Yatra at the State secretariat on Tuesday. The CM said that the key mantra for Yatra management should be ‘safe travel, easy Darshan and continuous dialogue’. He said that better coordination, effective communication and well-organised management can make the Yatra more safe and successful. On a stern note, the CM said that the ban on vehicular movement on the Char Dham Yatra routes from 10 PM to 4 AM should be strictly enforced. He said that movement of Trucks and other heavy vehicles associated with essential services should be allowed on the Yatra routes only at night. The CM said that in case of pilgrim number exceeding the prescribed capacity at any Dham or stopover, the movement of vehicles and pilgrims should be controlled at the lower holding areas and major checkpoints. “Pilgrims should be sent forward using a phased approach for crowd management, so that chaos does not arise at the shrines. Adequate arrangements for parking, food, drinking water, toilets and other basic amenities be ensured at the places where pilgrims are being stopped or accommodated,’’ he said. Dhami said that the pilgrims should be regularly informed about the reasons for the stoppage, the expected waiting period and further arrangements when they are stopped by the authorities. He directed all officers and employees to ensure sensitive, courteous and cooperative behaviour towards the pilgrims. He said that updated information about Yatra should be continuously disseminated through public information systems, LED displays, social media platforms, WhatsApp channels and FM radio. Information about road blockages, weather changes, traffic jams or delays in Darshan should also be communicated to pilgrims in a timely manner. “The first phase of the Char Dham Yatra was successfully conducted and the Yatra is now entering its second, more challenging phase, where monsoon and adverse weather will pose major challenges. Therefore, Yatra management should be conducted with greater vigilance, control and a scientific approach,’’ he said. Dhami directed the authorities to ensure advance arrangements for earth moving machines, satellite phones, ambulances and relief and rescue equipment at sensitive locations for immediate action during emergency or road blockage. The CM directed the Garhwal commissioner and IG Garhwal to regularly review all arrangements for the Char Dham Yatra and ensure prompt resolution of problems faced by pilgrims and local citizens. He also stressed on giving top priority to cleanliness at the shrines and the trekking routes. Pertinently, more than three lakh pilgrims have so far attended the Yatra this year which is a record. Cabinet ministers Satpal Maharaj and Bharat Chaudhary, MLA Anil Nautiyal, chief secretary Anand Bardhan and other senior officers of administration, police and Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee attended the meeting.
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