Uttarakhand: Thar is providing ride to special passengers… Chief Secretary is angry, ordered strict action after investigation
The matter of taking special guests to the temple in the SUV Thar brought to Kedarnath for the convenience of sick and injured passengers has come under controversy. After its video went viral, Chief Secretary Radha Raturi expressed displeasure. She directed the District Magistrate of Rudraprayag to investigate. According to DM Saurabh Gaharwar, the investigation has been started.
When Amar Ujala investigated this matter, it was revealed that no standards have been set yet for the operation of the SUV brought to Kedarnath. The administration argues that the SUV will be used in the Dham to take the sick and injured to the local hospital and to the helipad in case of referral. But, in the video going viral on social media on Saturday, it is seen that VIP passengers are getting down from the SUV. Clear information has not been found about who these passengers are and where they came from.
The administration has not yet made any rules regarding the operation and maintenance of the SUV brought to the Dham by the Army’s Chinook helicopter on May 31. An official, on the condition of anonymity, said that the responsibility of transporting vehicles to the Dham was given to the PWD, after that there is no information about who is driving the vehicles in the Dham and who is riding.
The priests have also expressed displeasure over the operation of SUVs in Kedarnath. He said that if the arrangements were to be better, then ambulances would have been sent, so that the sick and injured could get proper treatment on time. They have demanded their removal.
Strict action will be taken against the one who gave permission: Chief Secretary
Chief Secretary Radha Raturi said that the Tourism Department arranged two Thars for the convenience of the sick and injured in Kedarnath. But a video shows normal people being taken in the Thar. This is very wrong, strict instructions have been given to the District Magistrate that normal passengers will not be taken in the Thar. These are only for sick and injured persons. Strict action will be taken against whoever has given permission to take a normal person in the Thar.
No SOP has been issued yet regarding the operation of Thar in Kedarnath. Considering humanitarian approach, the vehicle is being used for sick and injured passengers.
-Yogendra Singh, CEO, Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee
