Dehradun: Pilgrims on the Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra routes will now have access to shelter facilities during emergencies. Heavy rains and landslides often disrupt road travel during the Char Dham Yatra, causing numerous difficulties for pilgrims. Often, travelers have to wait for extended periods for the roads to reopen. In view of this, the Disaster Management Department has decided to construct 10 shelters on the Char Dham Yatra routes. The process has already begun at the departmental level.
Due to Uttarakhand’s challenging geographical conditions, disaster-like situations frequently arise. The situation becomes particularly serious in the mountainous regions during the monsoon season. The Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra also operates during this period. Every year, the Char Dham Yatra begins in April-May and continues until November. Even outside the monsoon season, landslides often occur on the mountain routes, leading to road closures or damage. This causes considerable hardship for pilgrims. A similar situation is observed during the monsoon season. During this time, reports of road closures due to heavy rains and landslides are frequent. As a result, pilgrims get stuck in traffic jams, and there are no arrangements for their food, water, or accommodation.
Considering this, the Disaster Management Department is now going to build shelters in Uttarakhand on the lines of Odisha. The disaster shelters built in Odisha have greatly benefited the local people. This is why the Uttarakhand government is adopting the Odisha disaster shelter model. Importantly, these shelters will not be dedicated solely to the Char Dham Yatra, but can be used during any emergency or disaster. The general public can also use them as multi-purpose halls.
Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman said that through a World Bank project, the Disaster Management Department has decided to construct approximately 10 shelters on the Char Dham Yatra route. The tender process for this project has been completed, and the implementing agency has been selected. The designated implementing agency will now prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the construction of the shelters. Meetings have already been held with the concerned districts regarding the construction of shelters along the Char Dham pilgrimage routes. The locations where land proposals have been received from the districts will be inspected.
After considering all other parameters, the final location for the shelters will be decided. The implementing agency will visit the proposed land sites in the districts and examine all the parameters. Only then will the land for the shelters be finalized. The secretary stated that Rs. 39 crore has been received through a World Bank project for the construction of these shelters. These shelters will be built with these funds. Initially, these shelters will be designed to accommodate approximately 400 people. A set of guidelines will also be prepared for the operation of these shelters. Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman said that Odisha has done excellent work in the area of disaster shelters. Therefore, Odisha will be taken as a model, and the shelters will be designed based on the state’s specific requirements.
