Chardham Yatra: Registration started for Hemkund Sahib also.
Summary
The Governor emphasized that each and every passenger embarking on the Chardham Yatra is a valuable brand ambassador for the region. Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure that they have a fulfilling and satisfying experience during their pilgrimage. The Governor’s words highlight the significance of hospitality and service excellence, as every visitor to the Chardham Yatra is considered a representative of the region when they return home. It underscores the importance of making the journey a memorable and positive one for every traveler, leaving them with a sense of satisfaction and appreciation for the hospitality and warmth of the region.
Expansion
Governor Lt. Gen. Gurmeet Singh (Senior) presided over a meeting with government officials to discuss the preparations for the upcoming Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand. With over 12 lakh people already registered for the pilgrimage, and the registration process for Hemkund Sahib Yatra underway with 2,000 people registered so far, the Governor highlighted the significance of the Chardham Yatra as an integral part of the social and cultural fabric of Uttarakhand. He emphasized the need for seamless coordination among all stakeholders, including various departments, to ensure a smooth and systematic pilgrimage experience for the devotees. The Governor acknowledged that this responsibility extends beyond regular office hours, and urged all officers and employees to work with utmost dedication. He emphasized the importance of learning from past experiences and preparing a comprehensive plan to address any challenges that may arise during this year’s pilgrimage. The Governor also emphasized the need for departments to identify and train employees who interact with passengers and the general public, to ensure courteous and efficient service.
The Governor stressed the need to continuously enhance the quality of services during the Chardham Yatra and encouraged the use of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, and mobile apps to provide better facilities to the pilgrims. During the meeting, the Governor received updates from high-ranking officials from various departments related to the Chardham Yatra, including Tourism Department, Public Works, Police, Transport, Food and Civil Supplies, Medical, Urban Development, Drinking Water, Disaster Management, Civil Aviation, and Animal Husbandry. The officials assured that all preparations will be completed prior to the start of the pilgrimage. Present at the meeting were Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu, Secretary Nitesh Kumar Jha, Secretary to Governor Ravinath Raman, Secretary Dilip Jawalkar, ADG Law and Order Dr. V Murugesan, IG Garhwal KS Naganyal, Additional Secretary Nitin Singh Bhadauria, and Director Urban Development Navneet Pandey, among others.
1600 buses identified for the yatra, additional arrangements for 300
During the meeting, Secretary Transport Arvind Singh Hyanki shared that approximately 1600 buses have been identified for transportation during the Chardham Yatra. Additionally, arrangements are being made to procure 300 additional buses to ensure smooth transportation for the pilgrims. To ensure the safety and compliance of the vehicles, fitness green cards are being issued to all the vehicles that will be operating on the Yatra route. This emphasizes the importance of adhering to proper regulations and standards to ensure the safe and efficient movement of pilgrims during the pilgrimage.
72 types of the testing facility will be available from Health ATM
Secretary Health, Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar, informed during the meeting that Health ATMs are being set up along the travel routes of the Chardham Yatra. These Health ATMs will provide 72 different types of testing facilities, ensuring that pilgrims have access to necessary health services during their journey. Additionally, at the local level, individuals are being trained as Swasthya Mitra or Health Ambassadors, who will be available to assist passengers in case of any emergency while they are staying in hotels or other accommodations. This initiative aims to provide timely medical assistance and support to the pilgrims to ensure their well-being throughout the pilgrimage.
Heli services of nine operators are being taken for Chardham Yatra
Additional Secretary of the Civil Aviation Department, C. Ravi Shankar, shared during the meeting that Heli services from nine operators have been engaged for the Chardham Yatra, with fixed rates in place. Furthermore, online booking of Heli services is being facilitated through IRCTC, making it convenient for pilgrims to book their helicopter tickets. To ensure smooth operations and address any grievances related to Heli booking, a nodal officer will be appointed for the grievance redressal process. This highlights the efforts being made to streamline and facilitate the Heli services for the pilgrims undertaking the Chardham Yatra, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience for them.
The token arrangement will be started for queue management
Additional Secretary of Tourism, Pooja Garbyal, shared during the meeting that online registration for the Chardham Yatra has been initiated since February this year. To manage the darshan (worship) at the Dhams (sacred shrines), a token system will be introduced to avoid unnecessary crowds. This step is aimed at ensuring a smooth and organized darshan experience for the pilgrims, while also minimizing overcrowding at the sacred sites. By implementing online registration and a token system, the authorities are proactively taking measures to enhance the safety and convenience of the pilgrims during the Chardham Yatra.
Travelers coming to TRH will get local products
Vinod Giri Goswami, the Managing Director of GMVN, informed during the meeting that temporary tent colonies are being set up by GMVN to accommodate the pilgrims. Additionally, 14 tour packages have been curated for the tourists visiting the region, providing them with diverse options to explore the beauty of the Chardham Yatra circuit. As a gesture of hospitality, local products will be given as gifts to the passengers staying at the year-round TRH (Tourist Rest Houses), aiming to create lasting memories for the travelers. These initiatives by GMVN showcase their efforts to provide comfortable accommodations and memorable experiences to the pilgrims, enhancing their overall satisfaction during the Chardham Yatra.
