Uttarakhand CM Dhami visits "presiding deity" of state Dhari Devi Temple in Pauri

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], September 20 (ANI): Amid the ongoing heavy rains and the grave situation caused by natural calamities across the state, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the sacred Dhari Devi Temple in Pauri district on Saturday, said a press statement from the CMO.
Ahead of this, CM had inspected the disaster-affected areas of Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts before arriving at the temple in Pauri.
At the holy shrine, the Chief Minister bowed at the feet of Maa Dhari Devi and offered special prayers for the safety, health, well-being, and prosperity of the people of Uttarakhand, as well as for relief from natural disasters.
He said, "Maa Dhari Devi is the presiding deity of the state, and in this time of crisis, I have come to her divine feet with prayers for the welfare of all Uttarakhand."

After the rituals, the Chief Minister interacted with local residents, traders, pilgrims, and members of the temple committee in the temple premises. He listened to their concerns and assured them that the state government is making continuous efforts to deliver relief to every person in need.
Pilgrims present at the temple appreciated the management of the Char Dham Yatra, noting that despite the disaster, the government's arrangements were commendable. Santosh Pathak, a devotee from Indore, described the Chief Minister as a "Hindu Hriday Samrat," adding that the sensitivity and leadership shown by him during this disaster were truly inspiring.

The Chief Minister also inspected the temple premises and the banks of the Alaknanda River. He issued clear instructions to begin the construction of robust protective walls along both riverbanks to prevent erosion. He directed officials to ensure that there is no compromise on safety standards and that transparency and quality are strictly maintained in all works.
Reaffirming the government's commitment, the Chief Minister said that the state stands firmly with every affected citizen in this difficult hour. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out on a war footing. He added, "Our resolve is to reach every victim, understand their needs, and help them return to normal life." (ANI)