Even as incomplete preparations make travelling tough on hilly roads, full of stone blocks, for the devotees goings on the Char Dham Yatra started on May 13, officials and the ruling Congress chant ‘all is well’ rhetoric. So much so, that the party claims that preparations are almost complete. Poor arrangements have given a chance to main Opposition, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), to attack the Congress.
If Congress leaders sang praises of the CM, the BJP leaders came down heavily on the Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna for not ensuring ground level preparations for the Yatra that attracts devotees from across the nation. The BJP workers claim that preparations at ground level were very poor.
Interestingly, the commoners gave mixed response, keeping them away from raga of ‘good’ and ‘bad’. Pro Congress commoners advise to see brighter side of the picture instead of dark one. They criticise trend of blaming Government for each and every issue. They feel that the government put its top officer to make arrangements.
Rajeev Mehrshi, former spokesperson, Congress, asserts good arrangements on Yatra route. He lauded Chief Minister for making good arrangements for the devotees on the Yatra route. “As far as the preparations, the state government’s efforts yielded desired results,” Mahrshi maintained.
“The CM is closely monitoring the arrangements for Char Dham Yatra. The State Government took all efforts to put in place sufficient arrangements. Preparations are almost complete. Rest will be in place soon since serious efforts on part of the government are on to fulfill further requirement,” he asserts.
Anand Khadka, BJP leader, however, rebuffs tall claims about preparations by the Congress leader. He blames total failure on part of the government in making arrangements for the devotees. “State government harps on making very good arrangements for the devotees on Char Dham Yatra. Ground level scene is entirely different. State government has failed in making basic arrangements on the Yatra route for the travelers,” Khanna said.
Rashpal Singh, Zonal Manager, UCO Bank, congratulated the state government for putting in place all required arrangements. “Congrats! The State Government has made all the required arrangements. We welcome pilgrims and wish them a great journey,” Singh said.
Dr Minakshi Uniyal, Assistant Project Director (USACS), also lauded the State Government for making good arrangements for the Yatra. “Efforts taken by the state government to make arrangements for the Char Dham Yatra are commendable. Best wishes for holy journey,” Dr Uniyal said.
HD Pandey, Managing Director, Tourism GMVN, claims that GMVN has equipped its guest houses with best possible privileges as part of preparations for the Char Dham Yatra. “Well-trained employees have been put on duty at the guest houses to serve well the pilgrims. Facility to book accommodation in the guest houses is also available.” Praveen Kumar, a resident of Tilak Road, said that the state administration took efforts for making proper arrangements. It also tried to put in some new facilities for the tourists. Special focus has been paid on health arrangements keeping in view last years’ instances of cardiac case.
“It is not good to criticise the Government just for sake of criticizing it. There should be some concrete reason to criticize the government. It is not easy to put in such huge arrangements in a short span. But as a result of efforts by the government, arrangements are there,” Kumar said.