By Our Staff Reporter
Srinagar, 22 Apr: Commissioner, Garhwal, Vinay Shankar Pandey today directed all divisional level departments to complete preparations for the Char Dham Yatra by 25 April and to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage for the devotees. He was chairing a review meeting at the Vikas Bhawan auditorium here, today, where he also assessed the progress in key areas, including road improvements, forest fire prevention, drinking water supply, and the CM helpline.
Highlighting Srinagar’s significance as a major halt for pilgrims, the Commissioner acknowledged the challenges of traffic management and parking in the area. He instructed the district administration to identify suitable dharamshalas and night shelters where destitute travellers could find relief free of cost. He also mandated that all water points along the pilgrimage route remain functional and that public toilets are maintained in a hygienic condition.
To improve road conditions, Pandey directed the District Magistrates to conduct a comprehensive survey of rural motor roads and submit a detailed report. He personally inspected the asphalting quality between Pauri and Devprayag on State Highway-31 and reviewed patchwork near Dwaridhar Gaushala. He directed PWD officials to expedite the pending coal-tarring work on the road.
Discussing forest fire prevention strategies, the Commissioner emphasised the need for coordination between departments, and active public participation. He expressed satisfaction with district-level innovations, including widespread public awareness campaigns and the implementation of the Sheetalakhet model in over 30 villages.
Regarding drinking water availability during summer, he instructed Jal Sansthan and Jal Nigam officials to extend pumping hours and make alternative arrangements for tanker-based water supply wherever necessary.
IG, Garhwal, Rajiv Swaroop recommended conducting a dry run with all the departments concerned to refine parking and traffic arrangements in Srinagar ahead of the pilgrimage. He also stressed on the importance of strengthening accommodation and transit facilities to handle peak-season demands. Pandey also reiterated the need for a collaborative approach among all departments to ensure the successful conduct of the Char Dham Yatra.
Among those who attended the meeting included District Magistrate Ashish Chauhan, Senior Superintendent of Police Lokeshwar Singh, Chief Development Officer Girish Gunwant, Joint Magistrate Deepak Ramchandra Shet, Project Director, DRDA, Vivek Kumar Upadhyay, District Development Officer Manvinder Kaur, Chief Medical Officer Parul Goyal, Chief Education Officer Nagendra Bartwal, Chief Veterinary Officer Vishal Sharma, District Horticulture Officer Rajesh Tiwari, District Tourism Officer Khushal Singh Negi, District Sports Officer Sandeep Duklan, and other officials.
