Dehradun, September 15, 2026: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed preparations for the Char Dham Yatra 2026 through video conferencing and instructed officials to ensure a safe, smooth and well-organised pilgrimage.
He sought updates from District Magistrates of the districts connected with the pilgrimage on route conditions, traffic management, healthcare and security arrangements. Dhami said the safety and convenience of pilgrims must remain the administration’s highest priority.
Weather, Landslides and Rescue
The Chief Minister directed departments to continuously monitor weather conditions and landslide-prone areas along the pilgrimage routes. Adequate security must be deployed at vulnerable locations, with close coordination between departments.
He also ordered officials to maintain rapid relief and rescue arrangements so that emergency situations can be addressed without delay.
Holding areas along the routes must have essential facilities and be managed effectively to control traffic pressure. Dhami said traffic arrangements should prevent pilgrims from facing avoidable inconvenience.
Yamunotri and Kedarnath Routes
In view of crowd movement at Yamunotri Dham, Dhami directed officials to develop a second horse stand approximately 500 metres before the shrine. He also ordered better organisation of dandi-kandi services and necessary action on an alternative route from Kharsali.
Movement of pedestrians, horses and mules on the walking route must be regulated. Special crowd-management measures were ordered for the Suryakund area.
For the Kedarnath route, the Chief Minister directed officials to maintain heightened vigilance in the Chirbasa and Bhairav Glacier areas. Pilgrims, horses, mules and dandi-kandi services must be managed carefully at sensitive points, and immediate rescue arrangements must be available whenever required.
Animal Welfare and Route Repairs
Dhami instructed officials to strictly enforce prescribed operating standards for horses and mules. Animals must undergo regular health examinations, and action must be taken against operators who violate the rules.
He ordered progress on widening the Yamunotri walking route and directed officials to accelerate widening and pothole-repair work on the Gangotri route. Landslide-prone stretches must be monitored continuously, with special attention to the Syanachatti area.
Effective traffic management was also ordered on the Joshimath–Marwari route. Officials must keep adequate machinery available so that blocked roads can be reopened quickly.
Healthcare and Essential Services
Considering changing weather conditions at all four shrines, Dhami directed officials to arrange essential facilities for pilgrims, including bonfires where required.
He placed special emphasis on healthcare along the Kedarnath and Badrinath routes. Adequate doctors, paramedical staff, oxygen supplies and emergency medical facilities must be available.
Officials were also instructed to ensure:
- Emergency communication in areas with weak mobile connectivity.
- Sufficient toilets, drinking water, electricity and lighting.
- Shuttle services at appropriate locations.
- Regular cleaning of toilets.
- Surprise inspections of public facilities.
- Coordination with telecom companies for emergency communication systems.
Helicopter Fares and Safety
Dhami directed that helicopter-service tickets be sold only at the prescribed rates. Strict action must be taken against overcharging and unauthorised ticket sales.
He also said helicopter operations must be conducted with passenger safety as the top priority, particularly in view of weather conditions.
Senior officials, including Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Principal Secretary R. K. Sudhanshu, Principal Secretary R. Meenakshi Sundaram and Home Secretary Shailesh Bagoli, attended the review meeting along with officials from the administration and concerned departments.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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