Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has declared that the Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib yatra is proceeding without any disruptions, and warned that individuals spreading rumours will face strict legal consequences. The statement comes amid concerns over potential misinformation affecting the pilgrimage season.
CM Dhami's Assurance on Yatra Operations
Addressing the media on Wednesday, CM Dhami emphasized that the yatra is being conducted smoothly with all necessary arrangements in place. He said, "The Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib yatra is running smoothly. Some miscreants are spreading rumours to create panic. They will face strict action." The chief minister urged pilgrims not to believe unverified information and to rely only on official communications from the state government.
The Char Dham Yatra, which includes visits to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, along with the Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage, attracts millions of devotees annually. This year, the Uttarakhand government has implemented enhanced safety protocols and crowd management measures to ensure a hassle-free experience.
Government Measures to Counter Misinformation
To combat the spread of false narratives, the state administration has set up a dedicated helpline and a fact-check unit. Authorities are monitoring social media platforms and have registered cases against those found circulating false information. According to officials, over a dozen individuals have been identified for spreading rumours about landslides and infrastructure failures, which were later found to be baseless.
The chief minister also highlighted that the yatra has seen a record number of registrations this year. Data from the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board indicates that over 3.5 million pilgrims have registered for the Char Dham Yatra so far, a 15% increase compared to the same period last year. The Hemkund Sahib Yatra has also witnessed a surge in devotees, with more than 200,000 registrations.
Infrastructure and Safety Upgrades
In preparation for the peak season, the state government has deployed additional security personnel, medical teams, and disaster response units along the pilgrimage routes. Over 1,000 CCTV cameras have been installed at key locations, and real-time monitoring systems are in place to manage crowd flow. The roads leading to the shrines have been repaired and widened, and helipads have been upgraded for emergency evacuations.
CM Dhami also announced that the government has allocated Rs 500 crore for infrastructure development in the pilgrimage areas, including better sanitation facilities, waiting halls, and drinking water kiosks. "Our priority is the safety and comfort of every pilgrim," he stated.
Appeal to Pilgrims and Public Cooperation
The chief minister appealed to the public to cooperate with authorities and report any suspicious activity or false information. He assured that the government is committed to maintaining law and order and will take stringent action against those attempting to disrupt the yatra. The Uttarakhand Police have been instructed to remain vigilant and to act swiftly against rumour-mongers.
In a related development, the state's cyber cell has been actively tracking fake news. A senior police officer said, "We have identified several social media accounts spreading malicious content. Legal notices have been issued, and arrests will be made if necessary." The officer added that the public can anonymously report such incidents via a dedicated WhatsApp number.
The Char Dham Yatra is scheduled to continue until October, with the Hemkund Sahib Yatra concluding earlier due to weather conditions. Officials remain optimistic about a successful pilgrimage season despite the challenges posed by misinformation.
