New Delhi: In a significant move to ensure the safety and enhance the experience of pilgrims, Uttarakhand’s Chief Secretary, Radha Raturi, has announced an extension of the ban on VIP darshan until May 31. This decision comes in response to the overwhelming influx of devotees participating in the sacred Chardham Yatra. The extension aims to facilitate a smoother flow of pilgrims to the revered sites, allowing equitable access.
Furthermore, Chief Secretary Raturi has implemented a prohibition on creating reels for videography or social media purposes within a 50-meter radius of the temple premises across all four Dhams. This measure is intended to preserve the sanctity of the pilgrimage and prevent distractions. The directive has been communicated to the Secretary of Tourism, the Commissioner of the Garhwal Division, and the District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police of the respective districts.
In a related development, Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, emphasized the importance of a safe and orderly Chardham Yatra during a review of the arrangements at the Secretariat. He instructed senior government and police officials to personally oversee the travel logistics on the ground. CM Dhami reiterated that the safety of the pilgrims is the administration’s top priority. Consequently, offline registrations for the yatra have been suspended for three days to streamline the process and ensure adherence to the established guidelines.
The Garhwal administration has reported a remarkable 44% surge in the number of pilgrims this year compared to previous years. To date, over 2.6 million registrations have been recorded for the Chardham Yatra. The attendance figures for the individual Dhams are as follows: Gangotri Dham has welcomed over 51,000 devotees, Yamunotri Dham has seen 59,000 visitors, Kedarnath Dham has received the highest turnout with 126,000 pilgrims, and Badrinath Dham has been graced by the presence of 39,000 worshippers.
The concerted efforts by the Uttarakhand government to manage the increased footfall and maintain the sanctity of the pilgrimage are indicative of their commitment to providing a safe and fulfilling spiritual journey for all devotees.
