Haridwar, March 31 -- The issuance of green cards, mandatory for commercial vehicles heading to the Char Dham shrines in the Garhwal Himalayas, began on Monday at Roshanabad in Haridwar ahead of the upcoming pilgrimage season. State transport and information technology minister Pradeep Batra handed over the first lot of green cards to drivers after completion of the verification, vehicle fitness and documentation process. Speaking on the occasion, minister Pradeep Batra said the state government is committed to organising a safe and better Char Dham Yatra, which is scheduled to begin on April 19 this year. "Green cards will now be issued from Haridwar and Rishikesh, the two entry gateways to the Char Dham shrines. A convenient and time-bound green card issuing process is being followed and similar technical and administrative initiatives will also be undertaken for pilgrims during the Char Dham Yatra," said Uttarakhand transport and information technology minister Pradeep Batra. Officials said obtaining a green card is mandatory for commercial vehicles carrying pilgrims to the Himalayan shrines, Kedarnath Temple, Badrinath Temple, Gangotri Temple and Yamunotri Temple. ARTO (Administration) Dehradun Sandeep Saini said the green card system ensures proper verification of vehicles, drivers and passenger data before they proceed on the Char Dham routes. "It is mandatory to apply for a green card for vehicles carrying pilgrims. Our teams will also conduct checking and verification of such vehicles at various checkpoints during the Char Dham season," said ARTO (Administration) Dehradun Sandeep Saini. Meanwhile, Haridwar district magistrate Mayur Dixit has directed officials of the National Highways Authority of India, the Public Works Department and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana to ensure time-bound completion of recarpeting, renovation and pothole-free measures on roads before the Char Dham Yatra begins....