Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 17 Jun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today stressed on the importance of deploying digital tracking systems and robust telecommunication facilities to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the revered Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra in 2026. Chairing a high-level virtual review meeting today, the CM instructed all departments to work in close coordination, terming the pilgrimage a divine and historic event.
Instructing Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan to constitute a high-powered committee, Dhami asked for drawing lessons from past experiences to strengthen logistical arrangements. He also called for the incorporation of valuable inputs from public representatives, members of the Nanda Rajjat Yatra Committee, and other stakeholders to improve planning and execution to enhance the pilgrimage’s overall convenience and safety.
Emphasising pilgrim safety as paramount, Dhami directed that a dedicated helpline be launched during the Yatra. He laid particular stress on healthcare provisions, including the deployment of sufficient medical personnel, setting up of mobile medical camps, and availability of helicopter ambulances along the Yatra routes. Given the monsoon season coinciding with the Yatra, he advised stringent safeguards against waterborne and communicable diseases.
The CM further instructed the officials to also ensure the upkeep and sanitation of all pedestrian pathways. He ordered adequate arrangements be made for accommodation, hygienic food, and bathing facilities at the halts of the Yatra. He also stressed on reinforcement of crowd and traffic management strategies for the Yatra as also the provision for ample parking and essential amenities such as potable water and public conveniences along the route.
Noting that a large segment of the Yatra traverses through forest terrain, Dhami reiterated the need to maintain environmental integrity. He also proposed the cultural documentation of traditional folk songs and stories associated with the Rajjat Yatra and called upon the Tourism Department to promote halting points along the route extensively.
During the meeting the CM also announced that the Chief Secretary will review preparations on a monthly basis, while the Commissioners of Garhwal and Kumaon will hold weekly assessments. The CM also directed the provisioning of road connectivity, water supply, and other fundamental facilities in the originating locations of Garhwal and Kumaon from where devotees and palanquins (doli) commence their journey.
Dhami reaffirmed his government’s resolve to make the 280 kilometres long Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra a spiritually fulfilling and smoothly organised event. He also noted that preparations are also concurrently underway for the Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2027, asserting that both events must be conducted in a grand and divine manner under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Among those who were present during the virtual meeting included Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Bhatt, MLAs Banshidhar Bhagat, Anil Nautiyal, Bhupal Ram Tamta, Suresh Garia, Parvati Das, Mohan Singh Bisht, Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu, DGP Deepam Seth, Secretaries Shailesh Bagoli and Sachin Kurve, Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, IG, Garhwal, Rajiv Swaroop, Resident Commissioner Ajay Mishra, and the District Magistrates concerned.
