Guv orders check of vehicles fitness before Char Dham yatra

Expressing concern over road accidents in Uttarakhand, Governor K K Paul today ordered a statewide campaign for checking fitness of public vehicles before the Char Dham yatra next month.
"It is all the more important as the yatra season begins next month during which lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad visit the four Himalayan shrines located in the state," an official release said here.
Norms regarding availability of at least two drivers in case of long journeys should be followed strictly, he said, adding stern action should be taken against drivers found drunk on duty.
He gave strict directions that accountability of the Transport Department and officials concerned should be set from now on in case of accidents.

In a mishap on Saturday, 4 persons were killed and 25 others injured when a bus plunged into a 100-metre-gorge near Rikhnikhal in Uttarakhand's Pauri district.
The Char Dham yatra involves the shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.