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Hans India
4 days ago
- Hans India
Uttarakhand to set crowd management system at Kainchi Dham
Nainital: In a significant move to improve the management of surging crowds at the revered Kainchi Dham of Baba Neem Karoli, the Uttarakhand administration is working on a comprehensive crowd control system, complete with a fixed visitor capacity and online registration facilities. Every year, lakhs of devotees flock to the Dham, leading to overcrowding not only within the temple complex but also in the surrounding areas. Responding to this growing challenge, the government has initiated a carrying capacity survey to assess the actual visitor limit of the site and its adjoining zones. The six-month-long survey will involve a meticulous analysis of the temple premises, available tourist facilities, traffic movement, accommodation options, and infrastructural readiness. Tourism Secretary Dhiraj Garbyal stated that the survey would also determine how many pilgrims visit solely for Kainchi Dham and how many extend their journey to other prominent destinations like Almora, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar. As part of the initiative, real-time monitoring systems have been deployed, with CCTV installed along key routes and within the temple area. These will help officials track the movement of both pilgrims and vehicles, aiding swift response and better control during peak periods. In addition, data is being compiled from local guest houses, homestays, and parking facilities to measure the pressure on available infrastructure. The ultimate goal is to build a sustainable system that ensures safety, comfort, and spiritual serenity for visitors. The Tourism Secretary revealed that an online registration system, similar to that used for the Chardham Yatra, is under consideration. This would allow devotees to book darshan slots in advance, helping the administration to regulate the influx and provide a more streamlined experience. 'This will not only enhance devotees' experience but also allow quicker action in emergencies,' Garbyal added. Post-monsoon, the administration will also kick off an expansion of tourist amenities, including road upgrades, expanded parking, increased lodging capacity, and improved sanitation. Authorities believe that with proper assessment and structured planning, Kainchi Dham can offer a more peaceful and organised pilgrimage experience. 'Our team has already started this. It will take around six months. For counting, we have also installed CCTVs,' Garbyal said.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Time of India
Mussoorie plans to roll out tourist pre-registration to tackle overcrowding and traffic chaos
With tourist numbers in Mussoorie nearly doubling between 2022 and 2024, Uttarakhand authorities are preparing to introduce a pre-registration system for visitors during peak travel seasons to combat growing congestion and traffic jams. As per the reports, more than 21 lakh tourists visited Mussoorie in 2024, compared to over 11 lakh in 2022, prompting officials to propose stricter crowd management measures. As per the plan, tourists who fail to register may be denied entry at key checkpoints once the system is in place. According to Secretary (Tourism) Dhiraj Singh Garbyal, the system will initially be implemented during peak periods , such as summer and winter vacations and long weekends, when crowding is at its worst. Cameras will be installed at three entry points, Kimadi, Kempty Fall, and Kuthal Gate, to estimate real-time tourist and vehicle inflow. Read more: Beyond Ooty and Kodai: 9 underrated hill stations in Tamil Nadu 'The problem of overcrowding and long traffic jams is only during the peak season, so there's no point having a year-round pre-registration system. Our teams are working on introducing the concept during those times,' Garbyal told The Times of India . One of the most severely affected stretches is from Gandhi Chowk to Mall Road, where traffic snarls lasting several hours have become a weekend norm. In a tragic incident this June, a Delhi tourist died after being stuck in traffic and failing to receive timely medical assistance. The proposed online pre-registration form will collect key details including the number of tourists, vehicle and contact information, trip duration, and accommodation. Registration will be OTP-based, with Indian tourists receiving the code on their phones, while international visitors will get it via email. Once registered, tourists will receive a QR code, which must be presented at entry points. Read more: From Greece to Malta: Countries with the most lucrative Golden Visas and how to secure one Authorities also plan to deploy Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems at the three entry gates to verify QR codes and manage vehicle entry. Tourists without valid QR codes may be turned away. Tourism officials met with Mussoorie stakeholders last Friday to discuss the proposal. They also floated other potential measures, including making some roads one-way during peak periods. Meanwhile, construction work on Mall Road has been paused following a court order, amid concerns that ongoing development could worsen the town's traffic woes.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Time of India
Mussoorie may soon require tourists to pre-register visits to tackle overcrowding, traffic jams
Uttarakhand authorities are planning a mandatory pre-registration system for tourists visiting Mussoorie during peak seasons to combat traffic and overcrowding, which has surged significantly. The system will require online registration and a QR code for entry, with enforcement at key checkpoints using ANPR cameras. This initiative follows concerns raised by stakeholders and a tragic incident highlighting the dangers of congestion. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Authorities in Uttarakhand are planning to introduce a mandatory pre-registration system for tourists visiting Mussoorie during peak seasons, in a bid to address growing concerns over traffic snarls and overcrowding. The move follows a steep rise in tourist numbers, over 21 lakh visitors in 2024, compared to around 11 lakh in 2022, officials said, as reported by the proposed system, tourists will need to register online before arriving, provide their details, and obtain a QR code for entry. Without this code, access may be denied at three major checkpoints: Kimadi, Kempty Fall, and Kuthal Gate.'The problem of overcrowding and long traffic jams is only during the peak season, so there's no point having a year-round pre-registration system. Our teams are working on introducing the concept during those times,' said Dhiraj Singh Garbyal, Secretary (Tourism), Uttarakhand. He said the department will first estimate tourist and vehicle inflow during holidays and weekends by installing cameras at the main entry pre-registration form will collect data such as the number of tourists, their contact and vehicle details, accommodation, and tour duration. Indian tourists will receive a one-time password (OTP) on their phones to complete the process, while foreign tourists will get it via email. Once registration is complete, tourists will be issued a QR code that will be verified at the support the system, Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will be deployed to screen vehicles at the entry gates. Those without valid registration may be turned away, officials traffic congestion in Mussoorie has become a growing concern, particularly during weekends and holiday periods. In one tragic incident in June, a tourist from Delhi died after being stuck in a jam and unable to reach medical help in tourism department met with stakeholders on Friday to discuss implementation strategies. 'Through this exercise, we intend to study, assess the situation and then take effective steps like pre-registration or having one-way roads for entry and exit,' Garbyal construction activity on Mall Road has been halted following a court order, amid fears it could worsen the congestion. Hoteliers and local business owners have also flagged concerns. 'This is a recurring problem that needs a permanent solution,' said Sandeep Sahni, president of the Mussoorie Hotel Association
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Time of India
Mussoorie plans mandatory pre-registration for tourists to manage peak season crowd
Dehradun: Authorities are planning to launch a pre-registration system for tourists visiting Mussoorie during peak travel seasons to tackle overcrowding and manage traffic after footfall doubled between 2022 and 2024. Tourists who fail to register may be denied entry at key checkpoints under the proposed system. More than 21 lakh visitors had reached the hill town in 2024, up from over 11 lakh in 2022, officials said. Secretary (tourism) Dhiraj Singh Garbyal told TOI the first step would be to estimate the number of tourists and vehicles arriving during peak periods — summer and winter holidays and long weekends — by installing cameras at three entry points: Kimadi, Kempty Fall and Kuthal gate. "The problem of overcrowding and long traffic jams is only during the peak season, so there's no point having a year-round pre-registration system. Our teams are working on introducing the concept during those times," he said. Long traffic jams of several hours have become a frequent problem during tourist weekends, especially from Gandhi Chowk to Mall Road. In June this year, a Delhi tourist died after being stuck in congestion and failing to reach hospital care. The proposed registration form would collect details like number of tourists, contact and vehicle numbers, tour duration and accommodation. Garbyal added that tourism department officials met stakeholders on Friday and discussed key aspects of the plan. "Through this exercise, we intend to study, assess the situation and then take effective steps like pre-registration or having one-way roads for entry and exit," he said. The online registration will be OTP-based. Indian tourists will get their OTP on their phones, while foreigners will receive it by email. Once completed, the registration will generate a QR code. Vehicles entering Mussoorie will be screened through Automated Number Plate Recognition systems, and tourists without a valid QR code may be turned away at the entry points. The tourism department also plans to install Automated Number Plate Recognition systems at the three identified entry points. The QR codes will be verified by staff before allowing entry. Officials have also halted construction on Mall Road after a court order, citing concerns that ongoing work may worsen traffic congestion. Sandeep Sahni, president of Mussoorie Hotel Association, and others present at the meeting, raised concerns over the recurring problem.
