Garhwal Post Bureau
Rudraprayag, 5 May: The state administration claims to be in full action mode towards ensuring robust arrangements at the revered Kedarnath Dham during the ongoing Yatra 2026. In this regard, Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey and Inspector General of Police, Garhwal Range, Rajiv Swaroop today reached the shrine and conducted a comprehensive on-site inspection of the pilgrimage arrangements, issuing strict instructions to officials on the spot.
During the inspection, both the officers closely examined security, crowd control, sanitation, health services, helicopter operations and basic facilities. They also interacted directly with the devotees and temple priests to hear their problems and suggestions. In this regard, they also ordered immediate redressal to the problems shared by the devotees and the priests. Pandey made it clear that the safety and convenience of the pilgrims is the highest priority and that no negligence will be tolerated in this regard. He also emphasised on a strict enforcement of the token system for darshan of Baba Kedarnath and issued directions to the officials to ensure adequate deployment of police personnel.
Pandey and Swarup also emphasised on ensuring proper sanitation arrangements and they directed regular cleaning of toilets, availability of drinking water, deployment of sufficient sanitation workers and effective waste disposal. Instructions were also given for regular removal of snow from slippery areas caused by snowfall to ensure safe movement of the pilgrims.
The IG, Garhwal, reviewed the security apparatus and directed stronger deployment of police forces along the pilgrimage route and within the shrine area, improved crowd control and reinforcement of emergency services. He also directed continuous monitoring of sensitive locations and swift response in case of any emergency. The inspection also covered helicopter services and helipad arrangements, with necessary directions issued regarding passenger convenience, operational management and safety measures. Departments concerned were instructed to remain on alert to maintain uninterrupted health services, electricity supply, drinking water, accommodation, food and cooking gas facilities.
The Commissioner stated that weather conditions are being monitored continuously and, if and when required, the pilgrims may be temporarily halted at safe locations for their security. He claimed that coordinated efforts across all the departments are being made to ensure the Yatra remains safe, smooth and well-organised.
