PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
As the start of the Char Dham Yatra approaches, the Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan (UJS) claims to have nearly completed all necessary arrangements to ensure smooth water supply for the pilgrims. This year, the Yatra is scheduled to start on April 30 with the reopening of the Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham, followed by the Kedarnath Dham on May 2 and Badrinath Dham on May 4.
The general manager of UJS, DK Singh said that they have been working on the arrangements for a considerable period. He said that nearly all preparations for the Char Dham have been completed, including the repair of water structures such as water ATMs and hand pumps along the entire Yatra route. Singh also said that he had recently inspected the facilities on the Char Dham Yatra circuit and has directed the relevant officials to make improvements where necessary.
Singh said that they have formed teams, including two to three members at each station along the Yatra route. These teams are responsible for responding to reports of any damage or hindrance to water supply at any location and will ensure repairs are carried out within half an hour. Additionally, officials have been instructed that no public toilet should be left without water supply and any failure to comply will result in stringent action. This directive was issued to enhance the accessibility of public toilets for women, he stated.
Further, Singh said that for the first time, equipment has been added to the water ATMs and other systems along the Yatra route, which is situated at a high altitude, to provide warm water for the pilgrims. Additionally, a geyser has been installed for horses, capable of delivering 1,000 litres of warm water per minute. He also said that the water systems or structures at Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath and Gangotri have been almost operational for employees and water connection to be provided to the buildings and others once local operators assess the locations.
