Dehradun (Uttarakhand): In anticipation of the upcoming Chardham Yatra, Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan has urged all dignitaries, state-level officials, and judiciary members to refrain from undertaking the pilgrimage between May 2 and May 31 due to the expected surges in the number of devotees.
The Chardham Yatra is set to begin on April 30, with the state administration actively preparing for the influx of pilgrims. National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) have been instructed to complete necessary roadworks by April 25.
R. Rajesh Kumar, Health Secretary and Nodal Officer for the Chardham Yatra, informed ANI, “The entire Badrinath Dham route has been inspected, focusing on roads, electricity, water, and health services. NHIDCL and BRO are rapidly addressing road improvements and choke points. They’ve been instructed to finalize their work by April 25. We have established three Medical Relief Posts (MRPs) along the Badrinath route, with plans to develop five additional posts following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued in 13 languages. Additionally, parking areas will also function as screening locations.”
In parallel, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved a request from the Uttarakhand Health Department to allow the voluntary deployment of postgraduate trainee doctors to assist with health services during the pilgrimage. According to a release from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), the NMC’s approval not only enhances Uttarakhand’s readiness for the Yatra but may also inform future public health policies. This initiative will provide aspiring doctors with valuable opportunities for social service, training, and practical experience.
The Char Dham Yatra 2025 will commence with the opening of Yamunotri and Gangotri on April 30, followed by Kedarnath on May 2 and Badrinath on May 4. This year’s pilgrimage is themed “Green Chardham,” promoting environmental responsibility by banning single-use plastics. All departments have been tasked with developing a waste disposal plan in accordance with this initiative.