More steps are yet to be taken by the department concerned to repair the roads that lead to Char Dham shrines as several potholes have emerged along the Yatra route. However, department officials claimed that roads would be repaired by the end of this month for ensuring smooth flow of traffic before the start of Char Dham Yatra that is scheduled to start from the next month onwards.
Since the roads leading to all four shrines especially on Gangotri and Yamunotri have developed cracks, the flow of traffic is likely to be affected when the pilgrimage begins this year.
Well established sources revealed that the roads at Kamad, Kandisaud, Bathedi,Chungi, Sainj, Bhattwadi, Thirangu, Hailgugad, Gangpaani, Dabrani, Sukki, Sunagar are reported to be damaged towards Gangotri shrine besides, efforts are already on by the department for repairing road at Dharasu and Nalupaani which falls under ultra-sensitive zone. Additionally, the roads that lead to Yamunotri shrine are reported to be damaged at Dharasu, Thunera, Kauthnaur, Raadi, Jardakhad, Tismela and Kiliyasain.
The adverse weather condition in the mountainous parts of the state increases the department plight for repairing the roads and the condition of roads at Harshil, Nalupaani, Dhulchatti, Badkot, Dharasu, Hanumanchatti are equally worst. It is to be noted that the condition of roads is worst in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts in Garhwal division of the state. Despite the fact that the government has sanctioned funds for widening of blind corners along Char Dham Yatra route and for repairing of roads, but the progress of work is slow to meet with the deadline. Besides, the roads at Pathradal-Gairicheda route, Kandai-Buransi, Chamna-Buransi, Vadda-Kandai routes also need immediate repair. It is also equally important to mention here is that the flow of traffic normally disrupts on the higher parts of the state especially in the Uttarkashi and Rudraprayag districts after experiencing heavy rainfall and natural calamites and the situation turns worsen during rainy season.
One of the department sources who wished anonymity told The Pioneer that department lays special focus to have coordination with BRO (Border Roads Organisation) and district administration to complete all the pending projects by the end of current month. He assured that stern instructions are already released to officials to repair broken roads especially main connecting routes for ensuring disrupted free flow of traffic on the mountainous parts of Uttarakhand when Char Dham Yatra starts in next month.