Chief Minister reviews arrangements for Chardham Yatra-2026
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 15 Sep: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today reviewed the arrangements for the Chardham Yatra 2026 via video conferencing. He briefed the District Magistrates of the districts involved in the Yatra on the travel routes, traffic, health, and security arrangements and directed them to ensure a safe, smooth, and orderly journey for the pilgrims.
The Chief Minister stated that the safety and convenience of pilgrims is a top priority. He directed them to continuously monitor the weather and landslide conditions along the Yatra routes, maintain adequate security at vulnerable locations, and ensure better coordination between the departments concerned. He also directed them to ensure prompt relief and rescue in case of any emergency.
The Chief Minister directed that necessary facilities be well-organised in the holding area to manage traffic congestion on the Yatra routes. He also emphasised that the traffic system during the Yatra should ensure that pilgrims do not face unnecessary inconvenience.
In view of the crowds and traffic at Yamunotri Dham, the Chief Minister ordered the development of a second horse camp approximately 500 metres before the Dham, streamlining of dandi-kandi services, and taking necessary action regarding an alternative route from Kharsali. He emphasised that the movement of pilgrims and horses and mules on the trekking route be streamlined and effective crowd management be ensured in the Suryakund area.
The Chief Minister directed strict adherence to prescribed standards for the operation of horses and mules, regular health check-ups of animals, and action to be taken against those violating the rules. Emphasising special vigilance in the Chirbasa and Bhairav Glacier areas of the Kedarnath trekking route, the Chief Minister said that the movement of pilgrims, horses, mules, and dandi-kandi should be maintained at sensitive locations. Arrangements for immediate rescue should be made if necessary.
The Chief Minister directed necessary action to widen the Yamunotri trekking route and expedite the work on widening and clearing potholes on the Gangotri route. He also directed continuous monitoring of landslide-prone areas on the trekking route and special vigilance be exercised in the Syanachatti area. The Chief Minister directed that effective traffic management be ensured on the Jyotirmath-Marwari route and that necessary machinery be available to quickly reopen the route in case of blockage.
The Chief Minister ordered that necessary arrangements, including bonfires, be made for pilgrims in view of the weather conditions at the four Dhams. He specifically called for prioritising health services along the Kedarnath and Badrinath pilgrimage routes, ensuring adequate availability of doctors, paramedical staff, oxygen, and emergency medical facilities.
The Chief Minister ordered improved sanitation along the pilgrimage routes and proper disposal of horse and mule dung. He urged for effective arrangements for easy darshan for pilgrims. He asked for necessary action in coordination with relevant departments and telecommunication companies to ensure effective emergency communication in areas with mobile network problems. He also ordered ensuring adequate toilets, drinking water, electricity, lighting, and shuttle services along the pilgrimage routes, and for regular cleaning and surprise inspections of toilets.
The Chief Minister stated that helicopter tickets should be made available at the prescribed rates. He said that strict action should be taken if complaints of overcharging or unauthorised ticket sales are received. Keeping weather conditions in mind, helicopter services should be operated with utmost priority for the safety of pilgrims.
The Chief Minister directed all District Magistrates and concerned departments to ensure that the safety and convenience of pilgrims are not compromised at any level during the Chardham Yatra. He also directed that immediate action be taken in case of any problem by continuously monitoring the pilgrimage routes and sensitive locations.
It was stated at the meeting that till now 66,07,749 pilgrims have been registered for Chardham Yatra-2026. Till 7 p.m. on 14 September 2026, 50,56,160 pilgrims had taken darshan. These include 7,08,407 pilgrims in Yamunotri, 7,89,773 in Gangotri, 14,98,544 in Shri Kedarnath, 17,36,619 in Shri Badrinath and 3,22,817 in Shri Hemkund Sahib.
Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu, Principal Secretary R Meenakshi Sundaram, Home Secretary Shailesh Bagauli along with senior officers of the government, administration and related departments were present in the meeting.
