By Our Staff Reporter
Uttarkashi, 4 Apr: On the instructions issued by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, comprehensive efforts are being made to ensure a seamless pilgrimage to Yamunotri and Gangotri Dhams. The CM is personally monitoring the progress of preparations, approving necessary funds to facilitate a smooth, safe, and well-organised Char Dham Yatra.
District Magistrate, Uttarkashi, Dr Meherban Singh Bisht shared that flood protection works and the repair of ghats at Yamunotri and Gangotri Dham are being given top priority. Authorities are ensuring that crucial infrastructure projects, including road repairs, sanitation upgrades, and power supply improvements, are completed before time. Approximately, an amount of Rs 100 crores has been allocated for development work at Yamunotri, while an amount of around Rs 40 crores has been sanctioned for Gangotri.
According to Bisht, in Yamunotri, significant flood protection work is being carried out along riverbanks at a cost of Rs 17.32 crores, while repairs to changing rooms, kitchens, and guest accommodations damaged by past disasters are also underway. The pedestrian path from Jankichatti to Yamunotri is being upgraded with passenger sheds and railings. The motor road from Phulchatti to Jankichatti is also being strengthened. Improved access routes to parking spaces in Kharsali village, along with the construction of a motorable road from the Yamuna temple at Kharsali to the ropeway site, are also progressing. He claimed that the drinking water issues in Barkot, a major stop on the Yamunotri Yatra route, are being addressed with a scheme worth Rs 2.62 crores, while installations of solar heat arrangements, dustbins, and steel-frame toilets at multiple locations are expected to enhance environmental sustainability.
Development works at Gangotri in progress include repair and flood protection measures at a cost of Rs 9 crore, alongside efforts to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, worth Rs 2.67 crores. According to Dr Bisht, the authorities are focusing on upgrading sanitation facilities, including the construction of smart toilets at key points in Harshil, an important stop for pilgrims. Embankment strengthening for flood protection in Harshil-Bagori, protective works on the Gangotri Highway, and asphalt repair on key stretches of the Gangotri National Highway are all progressing swiftly.
To streamline yatra management, a Smart Control Room is being set up at a cost of Rs 2.40 crores, enabling real-time monitoring and ensuring efficient administration throughout the pilgrimage. Officials have been directed to accelerate construction and infrastructure projects, ensuring all work is completed before the yatra commences.
