Dehradun, May 24 -- Chief secretary Anand Bardhan on Saturday conducted a detailed review of disaster control arrangements for the ongoing Char Dham Yatra at the disaster control room in Dehradun. He issued directions to all district administrations regarding disaster management preparations ahead of the monsoon season. Detailed evacuation plans should be kept ready in advance so that swift response mechanisms can be deployed without delays, said Bardhan. He ordered district magistrates to "immediately activate all designated holding areas across their respective jurisdictions and ensure that these centres are fully equipped with basic amenities for stranded pilgrims and local residents if required". He also emphasized the need for coordinated action between district administrations and disaster management authorities to ensure seamless execution of relief and evacuation operations. In addition, the chief secretary directed that all concerned districts maintain adequate stocks of essential commodities including food grains, drinking water and medical supplies to avoid any disruption during adverse weather conditions. He said that supply chains must remain functional even in remote and vulnerable areas. Bardhan also instructed the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCAADA) to keep its air evacuation and airlift plans fully prepared so that air support can be deployed immediately in case of emergencies in inaccessible regions. He underlined that advance readiness of aerial rescue operations is crucial in a hill state prone to weather-induced disruptions. Reviewing the management of the Char Dham Yatra, Bardhan emphasised that all stakeholders including district administrations, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) and other departments must work in close coordination to ensure smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage arrangements. He stated that the objective was to ensure that devotees were able to perform darshan at the four Dhams with ease, safety and proper facilities. He also suggested that in case of increased pilgrim rush, arrangements for night darshan may be considered and streamlined in a manner similar to previous years to reduce congestion and improve crowd management. Bardhan also ordered that holding areas located at lower altitudes along the pilgrimage routes should be properly utilized and equipped with drinking water, sanitation, shelter and medical facilities. Special focus was also laid on health screening of pilgrims during the registration process. The chief secretary directed that elderly pilgrims above 60 years of age, very young children, and those with serious health conditions should be advised to reconsider undertaking the pilgrimage. He also called for continuous public awareness campaigns to sensitise devotees about health risks and challenges associated with the monsoon season....