Uttarakhand beefs up security ahead of Char Dham Yatra

The Uttarakhand chief minister has issued instructions to tighten security both in view of the Char Dham Yatra and even otherwise in the state, in view of the recent attack in Pahalgam.

 

Overseeing a meeting of district magistrates today, Pushkar Singh Dhami directed that immediate and strict action be taken against those who spread fake news through various media. Such news could be pertaining to the Yatra or any other important matter in the state.

 

Booking fraud in the name of the Yatra is rampant not only in Uttarakhand but elsewhere too. Recently, in Gorakhpur fraudsters duped a young man of about ₹36,000 by luring him on Facebook with the promise of a chopper Yatra to the Char Dham.

 

In addition, action is also to be taken against those who do not get their tenants verified.  Verification of those living on carts, stalls and slums will also be undertaken. In addition, those who help in the issue of ration cards, Aadhar cards, electricity connections, Ayushman cards and other documents to ineligible people, will also be dealt with strictly.

 

While there is to be strict forest fire management, action will also be undertaken against those who start such fires wilfully.

 

For the Yatra special attention is to be paid to traffic management. Local operators of horses and mules will be given priority for the Yatra. Special attention is to be paid to cleanliness and beautification and making basic facilities available all along the Yatra route. Rate lists of all vendors will also be periodically checked to ensure that there is no overcharging.

 

Dhami has also instructed that all contracts up to ₹10 crore should be given only to local contractors.

 

The state will also take punitive action against those who damage public property.

 

In addition, DMs have been asked to conduct surprise checks on all government offices under them to ensure that there are no complaints against officials and also that people’s grievances are addressed quickly. Multipurpose camps, tehsil day and Block Development Council meetings should be regularised; and smart meters monitored regularly.

India