Uttarakhand: Chief Secretary held a meeting of concerned officials regarding the proposed Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra in 2026, gave these necessary instructions

A review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan to review the preparations for the upcoming Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra in 2026. The Chief Secretary directed the District Magistrate Chamoli to prepare SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) to conduct the entire Yatra in a systematic manner by coordinating with the concerned departments and stakeholders. Said that the SOP should include all the things related to the Yatra (arrangements, security, operation, control etc.).

He also directed the concerned officials to prepare a waste management plan, septic management and sanitation management plan for the entire Yatra so that the people participating in the Yatra get convenience and there is no damage to the environment.

The Chief Secretary directed that all the works to be done by various departments should be separated into permanent and temporary nature and a proposal should be made accordingly. If supplementary budget is required to complete the works, then demand it and the department should ensure that the maintenance or routine work is completed from its budget.

He directed that the works which are to be done immediately should be given priority and started as soon as possible. The Chief Secretary directed the Tourism Department to document the Yatra keeping in view its historicity, uniqueness and recognition and also prepare its documentary. He said that care should be taken to maintain the originality of the Yatra.

The Chief Secretary also received feedback related to the Yatra from District Magistrate Chamoli and District Magistrate Almora, Bageshwar, Nainital and Pithoragarh and also inquired about their requirements related to the preparation of the Yatra. Principal Secretary R Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretary Dilip Jawalkar, Sachin Kurve, Dr. Pankaj Kumar Pandey, Vinod Kumar Suman, Dheeraj Gabrial, Inspector General of Police K S Nagnyal and other concerned officials were present in the meeting.