Dehradun:  The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) conducted a tabletop exercise at the Secretariat auditorium in Dehradun on Tuesday to review the ongoing preparations for the upcoming Char-Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, scheduled to commence on May 10.

Earlier, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami chaired a meeting on Friday to assess preparations for the Char Dham Yatra 2024. During the meeting, CM Dhami directed officials to ensure proper arrangements for electricity, drinking water, and roads along the travel routes during the Yatra.

He emphasized that security personnel deployed on Yatra duty should remain on high alert and receive rest every six hours. Arrangements for the accommodation of drivers participating in the Yatra were also discussed.

Additionally, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of utilizing social media to provide updates related to the Char Dham Yatra to passengers coming from outside the state. He directed that directories related to the Yatra be made available in different languages in hotels, guest houses, and homestays.

The Char Dham Yatra is a significant pilgrimage to four holy sites—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The pilgrimage begins from Yamunotri, proceeds to Gangotri, then to Kedarnath, and finally concludes at Badrinath, following a clockwise direction. The high-altitude shrines remain closed for around six months every year, opening in summer (April or May) and closing with the onset of winter (October or November).

Pilgrims have the option to complete the journey by road or by air, with helicopter services available. Some devotees also undertake a Do Dham Yatra, visiting two shrines—Kedarnath and Badrinath—as per the Uttarakhand tourism official website.

Earlier, CM Dhami assured pilgrims on Friday that all necessary preparations had been made for the Char Dham Yatra, with around 16 lakh people registered to participate.

"We have assessed and analyzed all the arrangements. Whatever preparations were necessary have been completed. Improvements have been made in roads, transportation systems, parking facilities, hotels, dhabas, restaurants, and the police traffic system. With the increasing number of pilgrims every year, we aim to ensure a smooth and safe Yatra... so far, around 16 lakh people have registered for the Yatra," he said.

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