Pauri – Preparations for the Char Dham Yatra have intensified in Pauri Garhwal ahead of its scheduled start on April 19. The district police have drawn up a detailed plan to ensure safe and smooth movement of pilgrims, with a key focus on the 22-kilometre stretch from Kirtinagar bridge to Sirobagar.
The प्रशासन has included major transit points such as Srinagar, Shrikot, and Kaliyasaur, along with the Laxman Jhula stretch from Garud Chatti to Asan Barrage and Bhimgoda Barrage, within the travel management system. The entire क्षेत्र has been divided into one zone and five sectors to streamline deployment of police personnel and improve coordination during the pilgrimage.
To assist pilgrims, LED screens will be installed in Srinagar and Shrikot to provide real-time updates on weather and road conditions. Authorities have also prioritised parking management, with designated zones created at the NIT sports ground, Awas Vikas land, and near Farasu, accommodating up to 500 vehicles at a time. Basic amenities such as water, electricity, and toilets are being arranged through coordination with concerned departments.
Alternative routes have been identified to reduce congestion on the main highways. These include the Devprayag–Sabdarkhal–Pauri–Paithani–Karnaprayag road, Srinagar–Bugani–Chamadhar route, Dungreepant–Chhatikhal–Khankara road, and Srinagar–Khirsu–Khedakhal मार्ग. However, the effectiveness of these routes will depend on their maintenance status, which has often been a concern during peak यात्रा periods.
A substantial police force will be deployed, including one Circle Officer, two inspectors, 30 sub-inspectors and assistant sub-inspectors, 100 constables and head constables, 15 women constables, along with PAC, SDRF, Home Guards, PRD personnel, fire service units, and traffic police staff. This deployment reflects the scale of expected footfall and the need for strict traffic regulation.
Additionally, a tourism police post has been set up in Srinagar Garhwal, along with seasonal checkpoints at Farasu, Sirobagar, and Garud Chatti on the Badrinath highway to provide immediate assistance to travellers. Senior Superintendent of Police Sarvesh Panwar stated that officials have been directed to conduct joint inspections of main and alternate routes and ensure respectful behaviour towards pilgrims.
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While preparations appear comprehensive on paper, past experiences highlight that execution on the ground, especially in managing sudden traffic surges and weather disruptions, will remain a critical factor during the yatra.
