Uttarakhand CM tightens security of all pilgrimage places, including Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib

Following the commencement of the Kedarnath Dham yatra on May 2, 2025, Uttarakhand authorities have undertaken comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims visiting the revered Himalayan shrine, including Kedarnath Yatra 2025 and Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage for this year.

Key Initiatives:

• Additional police forces have been deployed, and new police posts have been established at Kedarnath Dham. The token system for darshan has been improved to facilitate efficient crowd flow.
   
• Shuttle services between Sonprayag and Gaurikund are now operational continuously, especially during peak morning hours, to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims. Traffic and parking facilities from Fata to Sonprayag have been upgraded to ensure smooth vehicular movement.
   
• In response to heavy snowfall, the Chamoli district police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are actively clearing snow to make the high-altitude Hemkund Sahib route safe and accessible for pilgrims.

News from the Archive

Uttarakhand’s Additional Director General (Crime and Law) V. Murugeshan conducted a detailed field inspection of the Kedarnath Dham complex to evaluate the preparedness of facilities and security arrangements for the rush of devotees. During his comprehensive review, Mr. Murugeshan assessed various aspects of pilgrim management, with a particular focus on crowd control during peak visiting hours. Following direct consultations/interaction with pilgrims, several key improvements have been identified and implemented.

The inspection revealed the need for enhanced token counter systems to streamline the darshan process, improved long queue management protocols, and strategic deployment of additional police personnel to ensure pilgrim security throughout the shrine premises.

ADG personally examined residential accommodations within the Dham complex and reviewed the condition of police post infrastructure. His assessment prioritized three critical areas are effective crowd management during high-traffic periods, enhancement of darshan facilities, and overall pilgrim safety protocols.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami issued an advisory on Monday for enhanced safety protocols along the Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage route, which remains heavily snow-covered. Police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been deployed to maintain route safety and accessibility. Specialized snow-clearing operations are being conducted regularly using manual tools and advanced equipment to prevent travel-related disruptions and ensure safe passage for pilgrims.

With thousands of devotees expected to visit these sacred sites throughout the pilgrimage season, authorities continue to monitor and adapt their arrangements to meet the evolving needs of pilgrims and maintain the highest standards of safety and service.