Ensuring Stronger Security at Religious and Tourist Sites: Chief Minister's Directive

In a crucial virtual meeting held on Monday, Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami instructed district magistrates to bolster security measures at religious and tourist locations across Uttarakhand. With the start of the Char Dham pilgrimage and the increasing influx of tourists during the summer season, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for a vigilant approach to safeguard these places.

Highlighting the rising crowd at tourist sites, Dhami stressed the importance of consistent monitoring. Along with deploying adequate security forces, he urged authorities to strengthen intelligence networks at these popular locations to prevent any untoward incidents. He also directed the district officials to expedite the verification of those residing in temporary shelters, such as street vendors and slums, ensuring that all residents are properly registered.

With the Char Dham Yatra fast approaching, the Chief Minister urged for immediate action against those neglecting tenant verification, reminding officials to take strict action against individuals who have issued essential documents like ration cards, Aadhaar cards, or electricity connections to ineligible individuals. He further ordered that district officers assign officials from relevant departments to oversee the verification process in a timely and efficient manner.

Another key aspect raised during the meeting was the need for effective traffic management and road maintenance ahead of the Char Dham Yatra. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of prioritizing local operators for horse and mule services on the pilgrimage routes. He also called for enhanced cleanliness, beautification, and ensuring that basic amenities for pilgrims along the Yatra routes are well-maintained.

Additionally, he instructed authorities to check price lists on the Char Dham routes, ensuring there are no complaints about overcharging. The focus on providing a safe and smooth experience for the devotees remains a priority.

The meeting was attended by key officials, including Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu, Additional Police Director General AP Anshuman, Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, and Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat.