PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Work is underway to ensure that all drinking water outlets on the route to Lokpal and its neighbouring shrine Hemkund Sahib are functional before the start of the Yatra slated to begin on May 26. The water facilities for the Hemkund Sahib Yatra are expected to be ready and become operational by May 22, said the Secretary (Administration), Satendra Kumar Gupta.
The Char Dham Yatra began on April 30 in the State. Officials claim that the water supply facilities installed by Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan for the pilgrims have begun functioning effectively, according to officials. However, operations for the water outlets at Hemkund Sahib had not commenced at that time, as the Hemkund Sahib Yatra had not yet started. With the start of the Hemkund Sahib Yatra approaching, officials are now working to ensure adequate water supply preparations for the pilgrims.
According to Gupta, all water infrastructure along the Char Dham Yatra route is now fully operational, with the relevant officials and their teams effectively managing the systems to ensure that water supply is uninterrupted. He said that preparations for the Hemkund Sahib Yatra are currently in progress. While most arrangements for the pilgrims have been completed, there are still four Pillar-Type Stand Posts (PTSP), two water pumps and six water geysers that are undergoing maintenance along the route. Additionally, two Charia for horses and other animals are not yet operational and are also undergoing maintenance. It is anticipated that repairs will be finished and these facilities will be functional by May 22. The operation of water outlets began before the start of the Hemkund Sahib Yatra to identify any possible obstacles in advance, ensuring that pilgrims do not encounter any difficulties related to water supply.
He stated that the relevant officials have been tasked with ensuring a consistent water supply along the entire Yatra route and have coordinated with the local administration to guarantee that water is accessible whenever needed. In case of emergencies, tankers will be stationed along the roadside for the Yatra.
He also pointed out that due to drainage work being conducted by the irrigation department in Rishikesh, three PTSP water outlets along the Char Dham route are currently non-operational.
He further informed that measures are being taken to prevent any difficulties for pilgrims regarding water supply during the Char Dham Yatra and officials have been instructed accordingly.
Additionally, pilgrims can call the state-level toll-free number 18001804100 or 1916 for any complaints or assistance.
