By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 9 Apr: In compliance with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s directives, senior officials are now rigorously inspecting arrangements for Char Dham Yatra 2025 at ground zero.
Secretary, Medical Health Department, and Nodal Officer of Badrinath Dham, Dr R Rajesh Kumar, today again convened a review meeting with officials in the Collectorate Auditorium, Chamoli, to assess preparations for the Yatra. He has also conducted field inspections of roads, electricity, water, and other essential amenities from Kameda to Badrinath, ensuring seamless travel for pilgrims. All departments have been instructed to complete preparations by 25 April.
Dr Kumar instructed that protection and asphalting works be completed in Nandprayag, Kameda, and Pagalnala within 15 to 20 days. He further directed repairs of old Gabion wall in Parthadip, Nandprayag, and removal of large roadside stones in Jogidhara within a week. Kumar made it clear that the Gabion wall construction near Hathipahar must be completed by June.
This year’s Yatra is supposedly focusing on the theme “Green Char Dham” and a strict ban on single use plastic has been enforced during the Yatra. The departments concerned have been urged to prepare disposal plans to ensure environmental sustainability. During the review meeting, it was reiterated that the CM and the Chief Secretary are personally monitoring all preparations.
Dr Kumar urged the officials to adopt a healthy lifestyle, recommending a 10 percent reduction in salt, sugar, and oil consumption. The Chief Medical Officer has been directed to designate locations for medical relief posts along the pilgrimage routes. The Jal Sansthan was instructed to draft a long-term drinking water supply plan for Badrinath.
During the meeting, the Mana Avalanche Rescue Operation conducted by the district administration was also commended for its success.
Kumar also conducted on-site inspections of flood protection projects under the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) in Mehargaon Gadhera, Peuli Gadhera, and Agathala Gadhera in Dasholi block, Nagar Panchayat Pipalkoti. He described these schemes as critical for the safety of the region, ensuring long-term protection against natural calamities.
District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari claimed that the infrastructure work from Kameda to Nandprayag is progressing rapidly. Ramps have been constructed in Nandprayag to prevent debris accumulation on roads. Electricity and drinking water supply in Badrinath remain uninterrupted, with Vivekananda Hospital, Pipalkoti and Badrinath actively supporting healthcare services. All necessary arrangements will be completed by 25 April, he further claimed.
