Former CM Harish Rawat Criticizes Deteriorating Roads on Gangotri Route Ahead of Char Dham Yatra

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Narendra Jijhontiya

Former CM Harish Rawat Criticizes Deteriorating Roads on Gangotri Route Ahead of Char Dham Yatra

Uttarkashi, April 16: In the lead-up to the Char Dham Yatra, former Chief Minister Harish Rawat conducted a thorough inspection from the headquarters to Gangotri Dham on Wednesday. During his visit, he raised serious concerns about the poor condition of the roads along the pilgrimage route and criticized the Border Roads Organization (BRO) for its inefficiency. He also launched a scathing attack on the government.

Rawat engaged with local residents, traders, and pilgrims at various stops between Uttarkashi and Gangotri. He expressed that the current state of the road infrastructure is alarming, especially before such an internationally significant religious event. The presence of potholes, subsidence, and incomplete construction work has made the travel route hazardous, raising concerns about the safety of pilgrims and adversely affecting the local economy.

He accused the BRO of negligence and slow progress, stating that the road conditions are never satisfactory before the pilgrimage season. Rawat emphasized that both the central and state governments should have taken this issue seriously, but the ground reality tells a different story. He also noted that the neglect of border areas has persisted for a long time, and despite claims of development, basic facilities remain in disrepair.

Questioning the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Uttarakhand, Rawat labeled it a purely electoral tour. He claimed that the government is attempting to mislead the public through announcements and speeches while failing to take concrete steps to address real issues. He accused the government of politicizing sensitive topics like the Char Dham Yatra for electoral gain.

During his tour, Rawat urged the administration to ensure immediate repairs to the roads before the pilgrimage begins and to implement special security measures in risky areas. He warned that if arrangements are not made promptly, both pilgrims and local residents would suffer the consequences.

Local residents shared their grievances with the former Chief Minister, stating that every year promises are made for road improvements before the Yatra, but conditions remain unchanged. Traders reported that poor road conditions hinder the movement of pilgrims, directly impacting their businesses.

Congress workers accompanied Rawat during the inspection, chanting slogans against the government and demanding improvements in travel arrangements. Overall, the condition of the Uttarkashi-Gangotri route has once again become a focal point of political debate, with the government claiming to have made necessary arrangements while the opposition highlights the stark reality on the ground.

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