Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, an IAS officer of 1992 batch, on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess preparations for the annual fair at Kainchi Dham in Nainital district, scheduled to be held on June 15 to mark the foundation day of the revered spiritual centre. Anticipating a massive influx of devotees from across the country and abroad, the Chief Secretary directed all concerned departments to ensure seamless arrangements for traffic management, pilgrim convenience, security, health services, and emergency response.
The review meeting was attended by senior officials from the police, district administration, Public Works Department (PWD), and other key departments responsible for organising and managing the annual event.
Focus on Traffic Management Amid Expected Pilgrim Surge
With thousands of devotees expected to visit Kainchi Dham during the foundation day celebrations, Anand Bardhan emphasised the need for meticulous traffic planning over the next ten days, a period during which pilgrim footfall is expected to peak.
The Chief Secretary instructed the Public Works Department to prepare detailed route plans to facilitate smooth vehicular movement and minimise congestion. He also directed officials to formulate comprehensive zonal and sectoral plans covering both the shrine premises and the mela area.
Recognising the importance of public awareness, Bardhan said traffic diversions, parking arrangements, and route plans should be widely publicized not only within Uttarakhand but also in neighboring states and other parts of the country from where large numbers of devotees are expected to travel.
He further directed officials to identify and notify alternative routes to prevent bottlenecks and ensure uninterrupted movement of pilgrims.
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Road Infrastructure and Alternative Routes to Be Strengthened
To handle the anticipated increase in traffic volume, the Chief Secretary ordered the timely completion of road maintenance and black-topping work on critical routes leading to the shrine.
Officials were instructed to ensure that all roads are in good condition before the commencement of the fair to facilitate safe and comfortable travel for pilgrims.
The administration was also asked to prepare contingency traffic plans and identify alternative travel corridors to effectively manage any unforeseen congestion.
Emphasis on Pilgrim Facilities and Public Amenities
Reviewing arrangements for devotees, Bardhan directed departments to ensure the availability of all essential public amenities at the shrine and fair premises.
He stressed the importance of providing:
- Adequate drinking water facilities
- Sufficient public toilets and sanitation services
- Clean and hygienic surroundings
- Proper lighting arrangements
- Comfortable waiting and resting areas for devotees
The Chief Secretary also instructed officials to expedite ongoing beautification and illumination works in and around Kainchi Dham to enhance the experience of visiting pilgrims.
Parking Management and Shuttle Services Planned
Given the expected pressure on local roads and parking facilities, Anand Bardhan emphasized systematic management of the multi-level parking infrastructure.
He directed authorities to develop a streamlined entry and exit mechanism for parking areas to prevent traffic snarls and ensure smooth vehicle circulation.
To reduce congestion around the shrine premises, the Chief Secretary also called for dedicated shuttle services to transport devotees between parking zones and Kainchi Dham.
Officials were asked to ensure that shuttle operations remain frequent, reliable, and accessible, particularly for elderly pilgrims and persons with disabilities.
Emergency Response and Evacuation Planning Reviewed
Highlighting the importance of safety preparedness, Bardhan instructed officials to finalize a comprehensive emergency response and evacuation plan ahead of the event.
He directed the district administration, police, and shrine security personnel to work in close coordination and remain fully prepared to respond to any emergency situation.
The Chief Secretary emphasized the need for:
- Well-defined evacuation routes
- Quick-response teams
- Continuous coordination among departments
- Effective communication systems
- Crowd management protocols
He noted that emergency preparedness would be critical given the large gathering expected during the foundation day celebrations.
Health and Medical Services to Be Strengthened
The Chief Secretary also reviewed medical preparedness and directed officials to ensure adequate healthcare arrangements for devotees.
He instructed the health department to deploy sufficient medical teams and establish emergency healthcare facilities near the shrine and major congregation points.
Special emphasis was placed on:
- Availability of ambulances
- Emergency medical response teams
- First-aid centres
- Coordination with nearby hospitals
- Round-the-clock medical support
These measures, officials said, are intended to provide immediate assistance in case of health emergencies during the fair.
Senior Officials Participate in Review Meeting
Several senior officials participated in the meeting both physically and through virtual mode. Among those present were Secretary Dhiraj Singh Garbyal, Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat, Inspector General of Police (Kumaon Range) Nivedita Kukreti, Nainital District Magistrate Lalit Mohan Rayal, and Senior Superintendent of Police Manjunath TC.
The meeting reviewed the readiness of various departments and outlined coordinated action plans to ensure the successful conduct of the annual event.
Kainchi Dham Draws Devotees from Across the Globe
Kainchi Dham, established by the revered saint Neem Karoli Baba, has emerged as one of India’s most prominent spiritual destinations. The annual foundation day celebrations attract thousands of devotees, including international visitors, who gather to seek blessings and participate in religious ceremonies.
With visitor numbers growing significantly in recent years, the Uttarakhand government has intensified preparations to ensure that devotees experience a safe, orderly, and comfortable pilgrimage during this year’s celebrations.
The administration’s focus remains on balancing efficient crowd management, seamless transportation, robust security arrangements, and improved public amenities to facilitate the smooth conduct of the June 15 foundation day fair.
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