Uttarakhand CM Dhami lays foundation for 213-foot national flag in Khatima

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the installation of a 213-foot-high national flag at Kanjabag Tiraha in Khatima.

During the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony, CM Dhami emphasized the symbolic significance of the national flag, stating, “The national flag symbolises the country's unity, integrity, and valor and inspires every citizen with a sense of patriotism.” He added that the towering flag will soon serve as a major attraction for tourists visiting the region.

A day earlier, on Tuesday, CM Dhami held a key review meeting regarding preparations for the upcoming Char Dham Yatra 2025, instructing officials to ensure that all arrangements are completed at least one week before the pilgrimage begins. During the traffic management meeting at the Secretariat, he said that parking facilities should be developed at locations close to hotels, dharamshalas, homestays, and other essential services.

The Char Dham Yatra is set to begin with the opening of Yamunotri and Gangotri on April 30, followed by Kedarnath on May 2, and Badrinath on May 4. Stressing the importance of streamlined operations, CM Dhami said, “The slot management system should be further improved for visiting the Dhams. The adequate arrangements of CCTV cameras should be made at sensitive places on the travel routes. Real-time monitoring of high-traffic areas should be done.”

Highlighting the need for better coordination, he added that police should adopt a well-planned strategy to effectively manage traffic during the Yatra season. “Real-time information of places with jam situations should be shared on social media and other mediums. Traffic and weather information should be regularly updated on the social media handles of the police and administration. Arrangements should be made so that devotees can get information about parking places on the travel routes from Google Maps,” the Chief Minister instructed.

These initiatives are part of the government’s larger efforts to ensure a safe, seamless, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage experience for devotees from across the country.