Record Turnout For Char Dham Yatra: No Mobile Phone In 200m Radius, Uttarakhand Government Intensifies Health Measures

Since the commencement of the Char Dham yatra in Uttarakhand on 10 May, the number of pilgrims has nearly doubled compared to previous years. Moreover, the state government has reported the deaths of 11 pilgrims within the first five days.

Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey has urged pilgrims to disclose any medical conditions transparently, reassuring that comprehensive health screening measures are in place.

“All incoming devotees are undergoing screening procedures and are provided with forms to detail their medical history,” Pandey stated.

He added, “It is imperative for devotees to furnish complete information regarding their health status. The four Dhams are situated at high altitudes, posing challenges for individuals transitioning from warmer climates. So far, reports indicate the demise of 11 individuals at various locations.”

Health department officials noted that most of the deaths involved elderly individuals with breathing or other underlying medical issues.

The pilgrimage to Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Kedarnath Dham began on 10 May, while the doors to Badrinath Dham opened on 12 May.

Over 1.55 lakh pilgrims have already journeyed to Kedarnath, more than 70,000 to Yamunotri, and over 63,000 to Gangotri. Within just three days, Badrinath Dham has welcomed over 45,000 pilgrims.

Chief Secretary Radha Raturi announced that this year, almost twice the number of pilgrims have arrived in Uttarakhand compared to last year. She emphasised the need for tourists to register on the tourism department website before undertaking the yatra.

It has also been mandated that mobile phones must not be used within a 200-meter radius of the Char Dham temple premises. During a review of the yatra management at the Secretariat, Raturi stated that FIRs will be lodged against those who defame the yatra through fake news or videos.

She highlighted instances where pilgrims have failed to accurately disclose their medical history or provided erroneous information during registration and instructed officials to prioritize health screenings for pilgrims aged 50 and above. The Health Department has deployed 184 doctors, including 44 specialists, along the yatra route.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has assigned his secretary, R Meenakshi Sundaram, a senior IAS officer, to oversee the management of the yatra to Gangotri and Yamunotri by camping in Uttarkashi.