Pre-Char Dham Yatra Shivers: Priests Of Yamunotri Shrine To ‘Ban Pilgrims’ If Safety Criteria Not Met

Priests of Yamunotri shrine have flagged pilgrim safety concerns in a letter to the Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, Times of India has reported.

The priests of the shrine are unhappy because of the inadequate relief work undertaken by authorities after the flash floods in Uttarakhand. They have also ‘threatened’ to ‘ban pilgrims’ if the restoration work of the temple is not started before the next Char Dham Yatra season. The reason for this ‘ban’ is due to safety concerns.

The letter says that the hot spring for women pilgrims and the connecting bridge of the temple are completely destroyed. It adds that the boulders on the river bed can pose a threat to the shrine any time.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Purola Anurag Arya told the Times of India that basic amenities had been restored but the budget for restoration work at the shrine was ready. He added that restoration work would be started soon. However, the budget for rebuilding the bridge was yet to be finalised. Anurag Arya assured that all work would be completed before the next Yatra season starts.