Telecommunication and Digital Tracking System to be Set Up Along the Nanda Rajjat Yatra Route: CM Dhami

Dehradun : Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed that along with telecommunication infrastructure, a digital tracking system be developed along the route of the 2026 Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra in Uttarakhand to ensure the safety and smooth movement of pilgrims. He instructed that a helpline number be launched for public use during the yatra.

In a virtual meeting with officials on Tuesday, the Chief Minister emphasized accelerating preparations for the grand Nanda Rajjat Yatra and directed that a high-level committee be formed under the supervision of the Chief Secretary. The Chief Secretary will review preparations every month, and the Divisional Commissioners of Garhwal and Kumaon will conduct weekly reviews.

The CM said that all departments should work in coordination for the grand success of this culturally and spiritually significant yatra. He urged that suggestions from public representatives, Nanda Rajjat Yatra Committee members, and stakeholders be taken into consideration to ensure effective arrangements.

Drawing from the experience of previous yatras, the CM ordered improved arrangements along all pedestrian routes, especially ensuring cleanliness, and proper accommodation, food, and bathroom facilities at halting points. He stressed that pilgrim safety remains the top priority, especially in the high Himalayan regions, and that telecommunication facilities and a digital tracking system should be implemented to monitor movements.

Health services should be given special focus, he said, and medical camps, doctors, and heli-ambulances should be available throughout the pilgrimage. Since the yatra takes place during the monsoon season, the CM stressed the need for measures to prevent infectious diseases.

As most halts are located in forest areas, special care must also be taken for forest and environmental protection. Adequate availability of tents must be ensured for pilgrims.

CM Dhami also proposed documenting folk songs and stories related to the Nanda Rajjat Yatra and instructed the Tourism Department to promote the pilgrimage halts extensively. He called for robust crowd management and traffic systems, with adequate parking space, and the provision of drinking water, toilets, and other essential amenities on the routes.

He directed the Chief Secretary to review preparations every month and the Divisional Commissioners to do so weekly. Additionally, he asked for road, water, and other essential infrastructure to be ensured in all regions of Garhwal and Kumaon from where the devotees and palanquins (dolis) begin their journey.

The 280-km-long Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra, to be held in 2026, is one of Uttarakhand’s most significant religious events, and all arrangements are being made keeping in mind the comfort and safety of the pilgrims. Preparations are also underway for the 2027 Haridwar Kumbh Mela, which will be held under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will be a grand and divine event.

Among those present at the meeting were Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Bhatt, MLAs Banshidhar Bhagat, Anil Nautiyal, Bhupal Ram Tamta, Suresh Gadiya, Parvati Das, Dr. Mohan Singh Bisht, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Principal Secretary R.K. Sudhanshu, DGP Deepam Seth, Secretaries Shailesh Bagoli and Sachin Kurve, Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, Garhwal IG Rajeev Swaroop, Resident Commissioner Ajay Mishra, and concerned district magistrates.

— Department of Information & Public Relations, Uttarakhand