Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Police Department has begun large-scale preparations for the smooth conduct of the Char Dham Yatra, which starts on April 19. As pilgrim numbers are expected to reach a record this year, officials are focusing on security, traffic management, and crowd control to ensure a safe, hassle-free pilgrimage.

Inspector General of Police, Garhwal Range, Rajiv Swaroop, is supervising a special cell dedicated to managing the Yatra. The plan includes advanced surveillance, disaster response, and facilities for pilgrims along the routes to the four holy shrines—Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.

Surveillance and Security

This year, 1,600 CCTV cameras will monitor the pilgrimage routes and shrine areas. To strengthen on-ground security, 74 watch and ward police posts will be established, while the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) will be deployed at 31 locations. These measures aim to prevent accidents and respond quickly to emergencies.

Facilities for Pilgrims

To manage the heavy influx of devotees, 106 parking spaces are being created along the routes. Additionally, 104 halting stations across eight districts will provide food, accommodation, and overnight stay facilities, ensuring pilgrims do not face difficulties during their journey.

Tourist police assistant booths will also be set up at 51 locations in districts including Uttarkashi, Tehri, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Pauri, Dehradun, and Haridwar. These booths will serve as information centers for travelers seeking guidance.

Disaster Preparedness

Disaster response teams will be deployed at 54 locations in the Garhwal region to provide immediate relief in case of landslides, floods, or other emergencies. Water police and divers will be stationed at bathing ghats in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Devprayag, Munikireti, and Shivpur, where drowning risks are higher. Divers will cover 17 sites, water police will monitor 24 sites, and flood teams will be placed at seven locations.

Coordination with Paramilitary Forces

A meeting has been scheduled at police headquarters to discuss the deployment of paramilitary forces for the Char Dham Yatra and the upcoming Ardh Kumbh Mela in 2027. A proposal will be prepared and sent to the Central Government to ensure adequate force availability.

Official Statement

Inspector General Rajiv Swaroop emphasized that adequate police forces will be deployed for traffic management, crowd control, and security. He assured that halting stations, parking facilities, and disaster teams will be in place to ensure pilgrims do not face inconvenience.