By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 10 Dec: At a meeting held at the Secretariat here today, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced a 25 percent discount on rents for pilgrims staying at Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) Guest Houses while visiting the destinations under the Winter Char Dham Yatra. During the meeting, the CM directed officials to ensure all necessary arrangements at these destinations and stressed on the importance of promoting the winter journey extensively in other states through various mediums. Dhami stated that this initiative would significantly contribute to the state’s economy.
The CM also instructed officials to develop major sites around the winter destinations, including Panch Badri and Panch Kedar, to enhance the tourist experience. Dhami also reviewed preparations for the upcoming Char Dham Yatra. He directed district magistrates to submit reports within a week outlining challenges faced during the Yatra and potential solutions. Stressing the significance of the pilgrimage, he ordered the construction of well-organised parking facilities near major towns and hotels along the Yatra routes. He insisted that the Char Dham Yatra is a matter of honour and respect for the state. He added that it is the collective responsibility of all concerned to ensure a smooth journey and provide all possible facilities to the devotees.
Dhami also insisted on the need to expand infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims and directed the development and promotion of other mythological sites located near the Char Dhams. Special focus was laid on improving roads, water supply, sanitation, healthcare, and other essential services. He also proposed an alternative route for Yamunotri to enhance accessibility. Dhami also called for a meeting with stakeholders to discuss Yatra management and gather suggestions for improving the pilgrimage experience.
The CM also urged officials to begin preparations for the upcoming Ardh Kumbh in Haridwar, calling it a major event that would require advance planning. He also reviewed the progress of key projects such as the Ganga Corridor and Sharda Corridor. Plans were proposed for developing alternative routes for Purnagiri and Kainchi Dham to ensure greater convenience for visitors and for preventing accidents through effective action plans.
Additionally, Dhami also directed officials to start planning for the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra and instructed the Transport Department to ensure adequate transportation facilities for Prayagraj Kumbh. Dhami highlighted the importance of promoting local products of Uttarakhand as gifts and mementos for visiting dignitaries, aligning with the “Vocal for Local” initiative. This move aims to give Uttarakhand’s products greater recognition on a broader scale.
The meeting was also attended by Vice Chairman of the Infrastructure Monitoring Council, Vishwas Dawar, Chief Secretary Radha Raturi, Additional Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu, DGP Deepam Seth and other senior officials, along with district magistrates and superintendents of police associated with the Char Dham Yatra, who participated in virtual mode.
