Dehradun

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday asserted that religious activities would not be allowed to obstruct public roads in the state under any circumstances, stressing that law and order would remain paramount in “Devbhoomi” Uttarakhand.

While affirming that the government respects all faiths, Dhami said roads are meant for public use and cannot be turned into spaces for demonstrations or activities that inconvenience citizens.

With the Char Dham Yatra currently underway and lakhs of pilgrims visiting the state, the chief minister said maintaining peace, discipline and smooth movement was the government’s top priority.

He stated that namaz should be offered only at mosques, Eidgahs and other designated locations, and warned that blocking roads for prayers or any other activity would not be tolerated.

Targeting the Congress, Dhami accused the opposition party of engaging in appeasement politics by supporting prayers on roads for “vote-bank politics”. He maintained that the Uttarakhand government’s stand on the issue was unambiguous.

The chief minister warned of strict action against anyone attempting to disrupt public order by occupying roads, reiterating that no one would be allowed to disturb the peace, culture and discipline of the state.

The Char Dham Yatra, one of India’s most significant pilgrimages, began on April 19 with rituals at various shrines. The Kedarnath Yatra commenced with the ceremonial departure of the Panchmukhi palanquin of Lord Kedarnath from the Omkareshwar Temple.

Earlier in the day, Dhami also directed officials to recruit 1,000 forest guards to strengthen forest management and fire control efforts. During a high-level review meeting at his residence, he assessed preparedness related to forest fires, drinking water supply, healthcare services and the upcoming monsoon season.

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The chief minister instructed officials to implement the “Shitlakhet Model” across the state for improved forest fire management. He also called for the construction of small water ponds near fire lines, a concrete prevention strategy, better equipment for firefighting personnel and wider public awareness campaigns to curb forest fire incidents.