Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting at Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Auditorium, Vishwakarma Bhawan, Secretariat to assess the preparations for Chardham Yatra-2026.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting at Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Auditorium, Vishwakarma Bhawan, Secretariat to assess the preparations for Chardham Yatra-2026.The Chief Minister directed the officials to implement last year’s ‘Green and Clean Chardham Yatra’ campaign more effectively this time. According to the Chief Minister’s Office, he directed that the Yatra be made plastic free by installing adequate number of collection boxes on the routes and strictly controlling the use of plastic. He also warned that any attempt to spread misinformation or rumors regarding the Char Dham Yatra will be followed by immediate FIR and strict action.Emphasizing on public participation, he called for active participation of local bodies, voluntary organizations and youth to turn the Yatra into a people’s movement.With regard to helicopter services, the Chief Minister issued strict instructions to ensure complete compliance of SOPs, mandatory regular maintenance and fitness checks of all helicopters and adequate rest intervals to avoid operational overloading.He also directed officials to further strengthen the weather-based real-time monitoring system to effectively deal with emergencies. Along with improving cleanliness, beautification and signage on the travel routes, instructions were given to develop attractive selfie points and theme based installations at major places.According to the release on supply management, the Chief Minister clearly said that there should be no shortage of essential commodities like gas, petrol, diesel and other necessities on the route. District supply officers will be made responsible and separate nodal officers will be appointed to ensure daily monitoring.He directed to set up adequate medical units and temporary hospitals as per requirement on the routes to strengthen the health services. He also gave instructions to increase veterinary facilities for animals. Also, emphasis was laid on ensuring adequate availability of clean drinking water through CSR and other resources.Giving priority to the convenience of the pilgrims, the Chief Minister ordered the development of basic amenities such as toilets, shelters and other facilities. He stressed the need for effective slot management and crowd control systems along with real-time digital monitoring to reduce waiting time for darshan.He also directed that the online registration system be further strengthened with additional booths at congested registration centers and simplification of the digital process. From the security point of view, CCTV cameras should be fully operational along the entire route and AI-based monitoring systems should be implemented where necessary. Emphasis was also laid on increased surveillance at sensitive locations and constant monitoring from control rooms.Taking a tough stance on law and order, the Chief Minister directed for deployment of adequate police and home guards on major roads, intersections and markets.He also directed that traffic congestion should be avoided through an effective traffic management plan and alternative routes should be identified to ensure that local residents are not inconvenienced.Regarding disaster management, he directed to pre-identify sensitive areas and deploy necessary resources. Emphasis was laid on better coordination between SDRF, NDRF and local administration along with keeping 24×7 control rooms and helplines active for quick emergency response.The Chief Minister also directed to hold regular review meetings during the visit period to monitor the progress and implement immediate corrective measures based on past experiences. He stressed on timely repairing of potholes and maintaining the condition of the road.Referring to the controversies related to community food services (bhandars) last year, he directed the administration to establish coordination between the local people and pilgrims to find a permanent solution. Strict action against overcharging was also ordered, along with mandatory display of rate lists at all shops.On transport, he directed that all vehicles should have valid fitness certificate, green card and trip card. He also directed the supply department to ensure uninterrupted availability of LPG, kerosene, petrol and diesel on the Chardham Yatra routes.