Following the model of Odisha, special shelters will be built along the Char Dham pilgrimage routes. Learn about their features
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During emergencies on the Uttarakhand Char Dham pilgrimage routes, pilgrims will now have access to shelter facilities. Heavy rains and landslides frequently disrupt road travel during the Char Dham Yatra, causing significant difficulties for travelers. Often, pilgrims have to wait for extended periods for the roads to reopen. In light of this, the Disaster Management Department has decided to construct 10 shelters along the Char Dham pilgrimage routes, and the process has already begun at the departmental level.
Due to Uttarakhand’s challenging geographical conditions, disaster-like situations are common. The situation becomes particularly severe in the mountainous regions during the monsoon season. The Uttarakhand Char Dham pilgrimage also operates during this period. The pilgrimage begins every year in April-May and continues until November. Even outside the monsoon season, landslides frequently occur on the mountain roads, leading to road closures or damage. This causes considerable hardship for pilgrims. Similar situations are observed during the monsoon season, with frequent reports of road closures due to heavy rains and landslides. Pilgrims get stuck in traffic jams, and there are often no arrangements for their food, water, or accommodation.
Considering these issues, the Disaster Management Department is now planning to build shelters in Uttarakhand on the lines of those in Odisha. The disaster shelters built in Odisha have greatly benefited the local population. This is why the Uttarakhand government is adopting the Odisha disaster shelter model. Importantly, these shelters will not be dedicated solely to the Char Dham pilgrimage but can be used during any emergency or disaster. They can also be used by the general public as multi-purpose halls.
Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman stated that through a World Bank project, the Disaster Management Department has decided to construct approximately 10 shelters along the Char Dham pilgrimage route. The tender process has been completed, and the implementing agency has also been selected. In this regard, the designated implementing agency will prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the construction of shelters. Meetings have already been held with the concerned districts regarding the construction of shelters along the Char Dham pilgrimage routes. The sites for which land proposals have been received from the districts will be inspected.
Along with this, the location for the shelters will be finalized after considering various other parameters. The implementing agency will visit the proposed land sites in the districts and examine all the parameters. Only then will the land for the shelters be finalized. The secretary stated that Rs. 39 crore has been received through a World Bank project for the construction of these shelters. Initially, these shelters will be built to accommodate approximately 400 people. A set of guidelines will also be prepared for the operation of these shelters. Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman said that Odisha has done excellent work in the area of disaster shelters. Therefore, Odisha will be taken as a model, and the shelters will be designed based on the state’s specific requirements.
