DGP M A Ganpati, who recently took over as the state's new police chief, made the announcement while reviewing preparations for the yatra with SDRF, IRB and PAC officials via video conferencing at the state police headquarters here yesterday evening.
He asked the officials to take every step to ensure a safe pilgrimage for devotees during the yatra comprising the shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. It will begin on May 9.
Giving the assurance that additional deployment of forces will soon be made for the smooth conduct of the yatra, Ganpati said police station incharges who come up with new ideas and introduce innovative techniques for better coordination of the annual pilgrimage will be given a cash reward of Rs 20,000 each.
He also asked them to take stringent legal action against people found guilty of deliberately starting forest blazes.