16-04-2026 : Hon’ble Governor chaired a review meeting at Lok Bhawan regarding preparations for the Char Dham Yatra 2026.
Lok Bhavan Uttarakhand-Information Wing
Press Note
Governor Reviews Preparations for Char Dham Yatra 2026
Instructions Issued to Ensure Safe and Well-Organized Pilgrimage
Special Emphasis on Inter-Departmental Coordination and Prompt Services
Pilgrims Must Have a Safe and Memorable Experience – Governor
Lok Bhavan Dehradun 16 April, 2026
Hon’ble Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) chaired a review meeting at Lok Bhawan on Thursday regarding preparations for the Char Dham Yatra 2026. Senior government officials, along with District Magistrates, Senior Superintendents of Police, and departmental officers from districts associated with the pilgrimage, participated in the meeting through video conferencing.
The Governor stated that the Char Dham Yatra is not merely an administrative responsibility but a spiritual and cultural duty that must be carried out with dedication and sensitivity. He emphasized that assigned responsibilities should not be treated as routine duties but must be performed with full commitment and sincerity. He added that pilgrims should be welcomed and served in a manner that ensures they return with a pleasant and memorable experience.
The Governor directed strict monitoring and action against cybercrimes, particularly cases involving fraudulent helicopter bookings, overpricing, and hotel booking scams. He also instructed that strict action be taken against those involved in unjustified price hikes of essential services.
He further directed the development of an effective system to control misleading and negative information circulating on social media. Encouraging innovation and creativity, the Governor stressed adopting new approaches in pilgrimage management. He also highlighted that the Yatra provides an opportunity to strengthen the local economy, benefiting self-help groups, homestay operators, and local entrepreneurs.
The Governor emphasized that effective coordination among various departments is essential for the smooth, efficient, and well-organized conduct of the Yatra. He instructed officials to ensure preparedness for all possible contingencies and to establish alternative arrangements in advance.
Highlighting healthcare as a top priority, the Governor stressed ensuring prompt treatment and rescue services within the “golden hour.” He also directed special attention to the health screening and monitoring of pilgrims above 60 years of age, particularly concerning heart-related issues.
The Governor stated that the district administration forms the backbone of the entire system and directed District Magistrates and Senior Superintendents of Police to work in close coordination with all concerned departments. He also suggested involving organizations such as ex-servicemen, Red Cross, NCC, and NSS to strengthen support systems.
The meeting was attended by senior officials including Principal Secretary Shri L. Fanai, Secretaries Shri Shailesh Bagauli, Shri Ravinath Raman, Shri Pankaj Pandey, Dr. B.V.R.C. Purushottam, Shri Ranveer Singh Chauhan, Shri Vinod Kumar Suman, Shri Dhiraj Garbyal, Legal Advisor to the Governor Shri Kaushal Kishore Shukla, Garhwal Commissioner Shri Vinay Shankar Pandey, Additional Secretaries Shri Ashish Chauhan and Shri Rohit Meena, IG Garhwal Shri Rajiv Swarup, along with other officials associated with the Char Dham Yatra.
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