The district administration has assigned the responsibility of Hemkund Sahib Marg Yatra to SDRF
Summary
Superintendent of Police Pramendra Dobal recently conducted a meeting with police personnel, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and officers stationed at Govindghat police station. During the gathering, he emphasized the importance of enhancing security measures and making necessary adjustments before the commencement of the pilgrimage. Superintendent Dobal instructed the attendees to meticulously fine-tune all security and logistical arrangements to ensure the smooth and safe progress of the yatra.
Expansion
Following the initiation of the Chardham Yatra, the authorities in the Chamoli district are now focusing on the preparations for the Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage. With the Hemkund Sahib Yatra route spanning from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib covering a distance of six kilometers, the district administration has assigned the responsibility of managing the pilgrimage operations to the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). In order to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims, SDRF personnel will be stationed at various locations along the route, ready to assist and guide the devotees throughout their journey to Hemkund Sahib. Their presence and support will facilitate a secure and smooth pilgrimage experience for all participants.
Superintendent of Police Pramendra Dobal conducted a thorough inspection of the Hemkund Sahib Yatra route and subsequently convened a meeting with police personnel, SDRF, and officers stationed at the Govindghat Police Station. During the meeting, specific instructions were issued to ensure robust security and comprehensive arrangements ahead of the Yatra’s commencement. As a result, it was agreed upon that a temporary police post would be established at Bhundar, along with a seasonal police post at Ghangharia, covering the 19-kilometer walking route to Hemkund Sahib. These strategic police posts will enhance security measures and provide the necessary support to pilgrims throughout their journey.
Sufficient police force and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) will be deployed along the Yatra route, ensuring the presence of vigilant personnel. To facilitate effective communication, police personnel on the travel route will be equipped with radio static and wireless handsets. Additionally, specialized SDRF and police teams will be stationed at areas prone to landslides, avalanches, and narrow passages, ensuring the safety of the pilgrims. As part of their responsibilities, the SDRF team has been instructed to closely monitor the travel route from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib, especially in areas affected by snow, on a daily basis. In order to enhance security measures, the chief of the Govindghat police station has been directed to thoroughly verify the credentials of horse-mule owners and hotel workers, ensuring the integrity of the services provided to the pilgrims.
Following a meeting that brought together representatives from the taxi union, hotel owners, and horse-mule owners, crucial instructions were provided regarding the fair charging of passengers. It was emphasized that passengers should not be charged more than the prescribed fare, and it was made mandatory for hotels and dhabas to prominently display rate lists. This measure aims to ensure transparency and prevent overcharging. As part of the inspection, the Superintendent of Police also visited the Seasonal Police Station in Ghangharia, assessing its readiness and effectiveness in handling the upcoming Hemkund Sahib Yatra. The inspection serves as a proactive measure to ascertain the station’s preparedness and strengthen security arrangements for the pilgrimage.
