Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed the concerned authorities to ensure food and parking facilities at holding areas where pilgrims can be accommodated in emergencies along the Char Dham route during the monsoon season. The directive aims to enhance safety and convenience for the millions of devotees undertaking the annual pilgrimage.
Standard Operating Procedure for Systematic Darshan
Dhami emphasized that a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) should be prepared to make darshan arrangements at all four shrines—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—systematically, keeping in mind the number of devotees. The SOP must account for crowd fluctuations and ensure orderly conduct at each site.
Regulation of Vehicle and Pilgrim Movement
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 CM said. This phased movement is intended to prevent bottlenecks and ensure a smooth flow of traffic and devotees.
Facilities at Holding Areas
The CM stressed that adequate food, drinking water, parking, and other basic facilities must be ensured at holding areas. He also highlighted the need to keep devotees regularly informed about the reasons for the stoppage, the likely waiting period, and alternative arrangements. This transparency is expected to reduce anxiety and improve the overall pilgrimage experience.
Restrictions on Heavy Vehicles
To reduce congestion on yatra routes, Dhami said that 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. This measure aims to free up road capacity for pilgrim traffic during peak hours.
Preparations for Monsoon Challenges
“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,” Dhami said. He directed officials to ensure advance deployment of debris-removal machines, satellite phones, ambulances, and relief and rescue equipment at sensitive locations. This proactive deployment will enable immediate action in the event of road blockages or emergencies.
Record Pilgrim Numbers
Officials reported that over 29.8 lakh pilgrims have arrived this year in the first 44 days of the yatra, compared to 26.3 lakh pilgrims during the same period last year. This 13% increase underscores the need for robust crowd management and infrastructure planning.
