Dehradun/Rishikesh, April 18: Arunoday times
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday attended the grand inauguration ceremony of the Char Dham Yatra 2026, organized by the Joint Rotation Yatra Arrangement Committee in Rishikesh.
During the event, the Chief Minister flagged off buses carrying pilgrims to the sacred Char Dham shrines, marking the official commencement of this year’s pilgrimage. He also inspected a free health camp set up for devotees, ensuring necessary medical facilities are in place.
Welcoming pilgrims from across the country, CM Dhami described the Char Dham Yatra as a spiritual journey that connects faith, devotion, and the inner soul. He said the pilgrimage empowers devotees to overcome challenges and attain spiritual peace.
“The government is committed to making the Yatra smooth, safe, well-organized, and divine,” he stated, adding that the pilgrimage offers immense spiritual energy and peace to millions of devotees every year.
The Chief Minister emphasized that under the blessings of Maa Ganga, the Yatra continues to set new records annually. He assured that the state government is closely monitoring preparations and is dedicated to providing security, respect, and a memorable experience to every pilgrim visiting Devbhoomi Uttarakhand.
Appealing for cleanliness, CM Dhami urged devotees to maintain hygiene at religious sites and along the travel routes. He highlighted that every particle of Uttarakhand is sacred and preserving its purity is a shared responsibility.
He further noted that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state has set targets for a Green Char Dham Yatra and a plastic-free Kedarnath. Adequate sanitation measures have been implemented, including mandatory dustbins in all vehicles.
Highlighting infrastructure development, CM Dhami mentioned the recently inaugurated Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, built at a cost of ₹12,000 crore, which has significantly improved connectivity and reduced travel time. He also said that reconstruction work at Kedarnath and Badrinath is progressing rapidly, while facilities at Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Hemkund Sahib are being expanded.
The Chief Minister added that under the All Weather Road Project, travel routes have been made more accessible. Ropeway projects from Gaurikund to Kedarnath and Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib are also progressing.
He concluded by stating that the Char Dham Yatra plays a vital role in supporting the livelihoods of lakhs of people and contributes significantly to the local economy. He encouraged pilgrims to support local businesses by purchasing regional products during their visit.
