Uttarakhand security forces conduct mock drill at Char Dham Yatra camp

Security forces carried out a coordinated mock drill on Monday at the Char Dham Yatra transit camp in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, to assess and improve security arrangements for the ongoing pilgrimage. The exercise involved the Anti‑Terrorism Squad, State Disaster Response Force, fire services and local police. During the drill one “terrorist” was injured and taken to a hospital, while three hostages were rescued.

The drill was intended to keep the forces alert and instil confidence among pilgrims. All four Char Dham temples—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath—were opened in April 2026. Uttarakhand’s Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Minister Madan Kaushik said the state has undertaken comprehensive preparations across the districts on the pilgrimage route, including specialised training for volunteer groups “Aapda Mitra” and “Aapda Sakhi”.