PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
In addition to making the green and clean Char Dham Yatra initiative launched last year, more effective this year, the State government will focus more on humanitarian aspects than on commercial aspects this year. Stating this during a review meeting on Thursday, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that focus should be laid on making the Yatra more organised, secure, clean and technically enabled this year to ensure a better experience for visitors from across India and abroad. He directed officials to accord priority to human sensitivity to all aspects, especially helicopter services, instead of prioritising commercial aspects.
Stating that the green and clean Char Dham Yatra initiative launched last year should be stepped up this time, he said that in addition to strict measures to control the use of plastic, an adequate number of collection boxes should also be placed to ensure a plastic-free Yatra. The CM also directed officials to lodge FIR and take strict action against anyone found guilty of rumours or misinformation. He stressed on the participation of local bodies, voluntary organisations and youths so that the Yatra can be shaped as per public sentiments. Regarding helicopter services, he said that the standard operating procedures should be strictly enforced. In addition to mandatory regular maintenance and fitness checks, the services should be given timely rests to avoid operational overloading.
Dhami also directed that the weather real-time monitoring system should be strengthened so that timely action can be taken in case of an emergency situation. Going by the trend in most tourist destinations across India, he directed officials to develop “attractive selfie-points” and theme-based installations on major locations in addition to focusing on improving sanitation, beautification and signage on the Yatra circuit. The CM directed officials to ensure that there is no shortage of gas, petrol, diesel and other essential items on the Yatra circuit. District supply officers should be delegated the responsibility and separate nodal officers should be deputed for daily monitoring, he said.
Dhami also issued instructions regarding health services focusing both on the visitors and the animals used during the pilgrimage.
