UTTARAKHAND: The Char Dham Yatra 2025 in Uttarakhand is all set to begin from April 30, and preparations are already in motion. The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) has started gearing up for it. To ensure the safety of pilgrims and to deal with any possible emergency effectively, a mock drill will be conducted on April 24 in districts related to the Yatra. This will be carried out jointly by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and USDMA. Mock drill scheduled for April 24 for Char Dham Yatra On Saturday, Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman held a review meeting at the USDMA building in IT Park to discuss the preparations for the mock drill. During the meeting, he gave necessary instructions to the concerned officials. He said that lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad come for the Char Dham Yatra, and ensuring a safe environment for them is the government’s top priority. Preparations for Char Dham Yatra being strengthened The Secretary said that, following the directions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the disaster management department is working hard to tighten all arrangements. Every possible step will be taken to make sure the Yatra is safe for everyone. He also mentioned that coordination is being done with all the line departments, and based on those discussions, clear instructions are being given. Departments are preparing accordingly.
SOPs and disaster management plans to be prepared He shared that all districts have been asked to prepare disaster management plans and standard operating procedures (SOPs) specifically for the Char Dham Yatra. He pointed out that even last year, mock drills were held in coordination with the NDMA to ensure smooth and safe conduct of the Yatra. NDMA had also given many useful suggestions last year, which were successfully implemented during the Yatra. Mock drills to be held in seven districts The Secretary informed that mock drills this year will be carried out in seven districts. These drills will test on-ground readiness for managing the Yatra in different areas. Different disaster scenarios will be created in each district to assess how quickly and effectively the relief and rescue teams respond. The drills will also help identify any gaps or weak areas in the current arrangements. Wherever gaps are found, steps will be taken to fix them and build a stronger strategy for the smooth running of the Yatra.
