Uttarakhand – To ensure a smooth, safe, and well-managed Char Dham Yatra 2025, the Uttarakhand government has initiated preparations on a war footing. Acting on the directives of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar—Secretary, Medical Health, Irrigation, and Nodal Officer for Badrinath—conducted an extensive inspection tour in Chamoli district on Tuesday.
During the visit, he assessed health facilities, road conditions, parking spaces, landslide-prone zones, registration and screening centres from Kameda to Badrinath. He issued clear directives to concerned officials to improve readiness for the upcoming pilgrimage. He was accompanied by Additional District Magistrate Vivek Prakash, SDM Chamoli Rajkumar Pandey, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Abhishek Gupta, and representatives from NH, BRO, and other departments.
Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar first visited the registration centre and PHC in Gauchar, the mela ground, and the trauma centre in Karnaprayag. He reviewed the availability of medicines, doctors, paramedical staff, and cleanliness in hospitals. The CMO was directed to ensure that all health centres are well-stocked with essential drugs and staffed adequately at all times. He also announced that dialysis machines will soon be made available in Chamoli district. Departments were advised to send proposals for any additional medical equipment or facilities to the government without delay.
20 Medical Relief Posts and 50 Screening Centres Planned, Health Advisory in 13 Languages
The Health Secretary announced that a total of 20 Medical Relief Posts (MRPs) and 50 screening points will be set up along the yatra route to ensure proper screening and first aid for pilgrims. Currently, Chamoli has 3 MRPs and 5 screening centres. This year, five new MRPs and multiple additional screening points will be established to enhance health safety. He directed that health advisories, prepared in 13 languages, be compulsorily distributed at all centres. These advisories will educate pilgrims about altitude-related health risks, COVID-19, dietary precautions, and other safety measures. Key screening centres will be set up near major bus stations to cover as many yatris as possible.
Health Secretary Inspects Landslide Zones in Sirobagad and Kameda, Issues Strict Instructions
In view of the upcoming yatra, Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar also inspected the landslide-prone zones of Sirobagad (Rudraprayag) and Kameda (Chamoli). Observing the poor condition of roads and potential hazards, he warned implementing agencies that any negligence would not be tolerated. He ordered completion of blacktopping in Kameda within 20 days and directed officials to send immediate proposals for a permanent solution in Sirobagad. He emphasized that no obstacle would be acceptable during an event as important as the Char Dham Yatra and instructed that all preparations must be completed on time.
Special Focus on Road Repair and Disaster Management Ahead of Pilgrimage
The Health Secretary reviewed the blacktopping work underway at the Kameda landslide site under the National Highway and instructed completion within 20 days. Temporary treatment and debris removal at Parthadeep in Nandprayag were also being conducted urgently, with a 15-day completion deadline. At the landslide-prone Pagal Nala area on NH-07, he directed the concerned agency to devise a permanent solution and submit a proposal to the government. In Jogidhara, BRO was asked to strengthen the road base and complete repairs promptly.
Government Committed to a Safe, Clean, and Organized Char Dham Yatra
Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar reiterated that the Char Dham Yatra holds immense religious, tourism, and economic significance for Uttarakhand. Therefore, the government is focusing not just on health services but also on road safety, disaster management, registration systems, and environmental balance. He instructed all departments to complete their assigned tasks within deadlines and warned that any negligence could disrupt the pilgrimage.
