Dehradun, June 4 -- More than 230 million tourists have visited Uttarakhand in the past four years and over 3 million pilgrims have undertaken the Char Dham Yatra in the first 45 days of this year's pilgrimage season, setting a new record, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Wednesday. Addressing the 117th executive committee meeting of the All India Council of Mayors in Rishikesh, Dhami said the state government's priority was to ensure that the pilgrimage remains safe, smooth and convenient for devotees. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, more than 30 lakh pilgrims have undertaken the Char Dham Yatra in just 45 days this year, which is a new record. Our priority is to make the journey simple, accessible and safe for all devotees," he said. The chief minister also highlighted the growing popularity of other religious destinations in the state. He said that while Adi Kailash earlier attracted around 500 visitors annually, nearly 1,000 pilgrims are now reaching the shrine every day during the ongoing season. He added that more than 24 lakh devotees have visited the Purnagiri temple. Dhami said cities play a crucial role in shaping the aspirations and future of citizens and stressed the need for clean, sustainable and well-planned urban centres. On the occasion, the chief minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of three projects worth Rs.29.78 crore in Rishikesh. These included a Rs.23.15-crore solid waste management project, while foundation stones were laid for EV charging stations worth Rs.1.80 crore and rainwater harvesting works worth Rs.4.83 crore at various locations in the city. Mayors from different cities across the country attended the meeting. Later, Dhami conducted a surprise inspection of the Char Dham Yatra transit camp in Rishikesh and reviewed arrangements related to pilgrim registration, health screening, accommodation and crowd management. During the visit, the chief minister interacted with pilgrims from different states and sought feedback on facilities being provided at the camp. He directed officials to ensure that devotees do not have to wait for registration and asked them to strengthen arrangements in view of the increasing rush of pilgrims. Dhami instructed officials to install additional coolers and ensure adequate availability of drinking water and other essential amenities in view of rising temperatures. He also inspected health check-up centres and stressed the need for special attention to the health and safety of pilgrims. "The safety and convenience of pilgrims are our top priorities. All arrangements should be made to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey for devotees," the chief minister said....