Darshan Kunwar
In the wake of freezing cold waves sweeping through state, triggered by heavy snowing, making life difficult, Uttarakhand Disaster Management has taken serious note of it.
Talking to Shankhnaad India- English, Secretary in Disaster Management, Vinod Kumar Suman said he had held an emergency meeting with all 13 Districts Magistrates(DMs), directing them to take necessary measures to provide adequate relief to the devotees reaching to the Chardham’ winter destinations a week after Government flagged off winter pilgrimage in a big way.
Suman said his department has made adequate arrangements for their proper night shelter of such people on different halting places on way to Winter pilgrimage like Ukhimath, Joshimath and other winter destinations of Gangotri and Yamnotri.
While Ukhimath is Kedarnath shrine ‘ winter destination, Joshimath is of Badrinath shrine. Dollies of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu from Kedarnath and Badrinath shrines were recently shifted to these places after the closure of their portals.
“We have asked authorities concerned to give away relief amount to the needy people to prevent them from biting cold waves seeping through the hilly region”, said Secretary Vinod Suman.
He clarified that CM Dhami ‘ direction to this effect , are loud and clear asking officials to demand more relief amount during emergency, added a senior IAS officer.
Addressing a virtual meeting with senior officials, Suman asked them to ensure that adequate efforts are made to prevent all those suffering from extreme cold conditions during winter tourism. He also instructed district officials to make sure that all snow covered roads leading to centres of winter pilgrimage and tourism are cleared within stipulated time.
Officials made it clear that all night shelters are equipped with facilities to prevent them for cold waves in the Himalayan region. According to officials, they have already made enough arrangements for bone fire and blankets for homeless people in the night shelters.
Officials said those who are willing to set up community Radio to inform about the number of people suffering from severe cold conditions during nights, will be provided an amount of Rs. 20 lakhs from SDRF funds for the purpose.
Darshan Kunwar ,
Senior Accredited freelance journalist & Political Commentator