Garhwal Post Bureau
Rudraprayag, 22 Oct: Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan visited the sacred Kedarnath Dham today, where he had Darshan of Lord Kedarnath and also carried out an extensive on-site inspection of the ongoing reconstruction and development works within the temple premises. During his visit, he reviewed the progress, quality, and implementation of the various phases of reconstruction being executed under the state government’s ambitious redevelopment plan for the Dham.
The Chief Secretary sought detailed information on all ongoing projects from District Magistrate, Rudraprayag, Prateek Jain and directed the officials to ensure that quality, aesthetics, and religious sentiments remain the foremost considerations in every stage of construction. He noted that the portals of Kedarnath Dham are scheduled to close for the winter season tomorrow and instructed the administration to ensure full preparedness for security, protection of construction materials, and maintenance of works during snowfall after the closure.
Bardhan further directed that preparations for the next pilgrimage season of 2026 should begin well in advance. He asked all the departments concerned to draw up a comprehensive plan for facilities and logistics so that pilgrims may be provided with improved amenities in the forthcoming Yatra season. He also stressed on the importance of close coordination among departments responsible for electricity, drinking water, health, communication, transport, security, and disaster management to ensure smooth functioning during the pilgrimage period.
DM Prateek Jain apprised the Chief Secretary that all the departments associated with the Kedarnath pilgrimage are working in mutual coordination and harmony to ensure successful execution of developmental activities.
Expressing satisfaction over the pace and quality of the ongoing works, Bardhan remarked that Kedarnath Dham has today become a symbol of reconstruction and spiritual resurgence across the nation. He emphasised that the government’s objective is not merely physical development but to achieve a harmonious integration of faith and convenience, thereby ensuring that devotees experience a sacred, secure, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.
Among those present during the inspection were SP Akshay Prahlad Konde, Chief Executive Officer of the Temple Committee, Vijay Thapliyal, SDM, Ukhimath, Anil Shukla, Executive Engineer, DDM, Vinay Jhinkwan, and ARTO, Rudraprayag, Dharmendra Singh Bisht, along with other senior officials.
