The principal secretary has written to the Garhwal commissioner listing the various issues faced in the Char Dham Yatra while also directing him to take measures for resolving the same. The letter states that during the peak time of the Yatra (May 20 to June 25) the shortage of buses plying on the Yatra circuit from Rishikesh causes major inconvenience to pilgrims. Awaiting buses, they are forced to extend their stay in Rishikesh and during this time complaints have also been received about over-charging by hotels and lodges. In the past pilgrims also complained that though they had registered first, others who paid more through agents were sent on the pilgrimage before them. Further the electricity and drinking water facility at the Char Dham bus terminal restroom in Rishikesh also needs to be improved. When buses ply on the Yatra route in rotation, when buses plying on other local routes are shifted to the Yatra circuit, it causes major inconvenience to the travellers on other routes. Complaints were also received in the past about a single driver on long route buses, driving under the influence of intoxicants and inexperienced drivers. Complaints were also received about fitness certificates being awarded to unfit buses, overloading and speeding by private vehicles and taxis. Traders also reportedly over charged pilgrims for various articles.
Apart from this, dissatisfaction was also reported by pilgrims waiting in queue in the shrine while priests, temple committee employees and others take their acquaintances to the sanctum sanctorum without having to stand in line. Further, due to number of vehicles rising above the parking capacity during the peak period, problems are faced at main stoppages on the route to Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines in Uttarkashi district.
It was also noted that travel agencies at times take travellers on trek to remote areas without notifying the district administration.
Considering the shortage of specialist doctors, proper arrangements for mobile clinics to facilitate primary treatment should be ensured.
To prevent inconvenience to pilgrims due to inclement weather, the authorities in the districts concerned should coordinate with the meteorological centre and announce the weather forecast daily apart from providing such information through SMS to the pilgrims.