CM Pushkar Dhami directs officials to prioritize public grievances and Chardham Yatra preparedness

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday addressed all District Magistrates through a virtual meeting, emphasizing the need for prompt resolution of public grievances to maintain transparency and accountability in the administrative system.

During a review of the Chardham Yatra preparations, the Chief Minister instructed that coordination be ensured with local public representatives, hoteliers, and other stakeholders to streamline arrangements.

He urged departmental secretaries and district officials to strengthen operational readiness for the upcoming pilgrimage, highlighting its significance both as a spiritual event and a source of livelihood for locals.

"The Chardham Yatra is a major centre of faith, and is also linked to the livelihood of the local people," he said.

CM Dhami directed officials to prioritize cleanliness, beautification, and improved passenger facilities along the Yatra routes. He underscored the importance of making the pilgrimage clean, beautiful, and environmentally friendly, calling for public participation in these efforts. He also instructed special attention to traffic management to ensure smooth movement for devotees and locals.

In light of potential forest fires, the Chief Minister directed all District Magistrates and the Forest Department to ensure full preparedness. This includes equipping fire-sensitive zones with the necessary tools, deploying mobile patrol and monitoring teams, and maintaining updated contact lists of local residents and public representatives for swift response.

On the issue of summer water scarcity, Dhami ordered that all drinking water problems be resolved swiftly and sufficient water tankers be deployed. He directed DMs to conduct regular meetings to address water supply challenges and take all necessary precautions ahead of the monsoon season. Additionally, he sought updates from the DMs on flood protection measures and asked for timely remedial actions in waterlogging-prone areas.

The Chief Minister also emphasized the importance of regular public hearings, urging officials to ensure citizens receive the maximum benefit from government schemes via Tehsil Diwas, BDC meetings, and multipurpose camps. He stressed that people should not have to visit offices unnecessarily and should be provided services through e-platforms as much as possible. He warned of disciplinary action against personnel responsible for unwarranted delays in public service delivery.

He also directed the swift resolution of complaints related to electricity billing and asked officials to accelerate the installation of smart meters.

Stressing state security, Dhami ordered close monitoring of outsiders and suspicious activities. He directed immediate suspension and termination proceedings against personnel found facilitating illegal encroachments or providing Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, or utility connections to ineligible individuals.

"This is a matter related to the security of the state, in which there will be no compromise," he stated firmly.

Lastly, CM Dhami asked both Divisional Commissioners to conduct field visits to verify implementation and submit a progress report to the Chief Minister’s Office before the next review meeting.