Dehradun (RNS): A significant review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan to address various issues related to Nainital and Mussoorie and to strengthen existing arrangements.

Extensive Discussion on Traffic, Safety, Sanitation and Beautification

The meeting included detailed deliberations on proper traffic management, installation of lighting at required locations, painting of main roads, beautification, cleanliness, and matters related to tourist safety. The Chief Secretary sought updated information regarding issues in both divisions and districts from the Commissioners and Inspectors General of Police of Garhwal and Kumaon, as well as the District Magistrates of Dehradun and Nainital.

Instructions for Immediate Proposals and Quality Implementation

The Chief Secretary directed that if necessary, both districts should immediately submit proposals related to security, traffic management, road improvement, parking, mobile network connectivity, lighting, and waste disposal. He also instructed that ongoing works must be completed within the stipulated time frame while maintaining quality standards.

Alternative Arrangements for Peak Tourist Season

Keeping the peak travel season in mind, instructions were given to ensure smooth traffic flow, arrange alternative parking facilities, strengthen security measures, and implement route diversions locally as required. Emphasis was placed on improving coordination with local traders, hotel and restaurant operators, and other stakeholders to streamline arrangements.

Special Focus on Network Blind Spots, Lighting and Parking

Directions were issued to identify mobile network blind spots on routes in and around Nainital and to ensure immediate lighting arrangements wherever required. Similarly, in Mussoorie, instructions were given to prepare an action plan in coordination with the Tourism Department for better utilization of the parking facility located at Kingrate.

City Beautification, Cleanliness and Discipline

The Chief Secretary directed both District Magistrates to address the issue of tangled overhead wires and remove unsightly small advertisements that affect the state’s natural beauty. He also instructed that cleanliness drives, drainage cleaning, painting, installation of railings, and other beautification-related works be completed in a time-bound manner.

Strict Action Against Overcharging and Misconduct

Strict monitoring was ordered against overcharging tourists or any form of misconduct. It was directed that both male and female police personnel be deployed in plain clothes at various locations and that swift action be ensured so that tourists do not receive any negative impression.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Nitesh Jha, Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar, Ranbir Singh Chauhan, D.S. Gabrial, PCCF (HoFF) Ranjan Mishra, and, through virtual mode, the Commissioners and IGs of Garhwal and Kumaon, the District Magistrates of Dehradun and Nainital, Additional Secretary Banshidhar Tiwari, and other concerned officials.