The Uttarakhand government has taken steps to ensure the smooth management of the Char Dham Yatra by deploying Yatra Magistrates at the highly revered Badrinath and Kedarnath temples. The influx of devotees has reached unprecedented levels, prompting the need for enhanced crowd control measures.
According to an official statement, Ashok Kumar Pandey was stationed at Badrinath, and Pankaj Kumar Upadhyay at Kedarnath, from May 26 to June 6. Their primary responsibilities include maintaining peace and order and ensuring all necessary arrangements are in place for the seamless conduct of the Yatra.
This year, the Char Dham Yatra has witnessed a record-breaking number of pilgrims visiting the Yamunotri and Gangotri Dhams within the first 15 days of the pilgrimage season.
On a single day, 9,812 pilgrims visited Yamunotri Dham, while 13,602 made their way to Gangotri Dham. This brings the total number of visitors to these two holy sites to an impressive 363,537 since the pilgrimage season began.
The number of pilgrims has significantly increased compared to previous years. In the same period in 2023, there were 197,413 visitors, and in 2022, 222,852 pilgrims made the journey.
Despite the substantial growth in the number of devotees, the Char Dham Yatra has continued efficiently, thanks to meticulous planning and coordination by district authorities.
District Magistrate Dr. Meherban Singh Bisht has played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the pilgrimage. During his inspections of various stops along the Gangotri Yatra route, he emphasised the importance of maintaining tight travel arrangements.
Dr. Bisht instructed officials that no person should be allowed to travel without proper registration, highlighting the need for organisation and safety amid the large crowds.
The journey to the Dhams remains orderly despite the surge in pilgrims and vehicles. Traffic is managed at holding points and one-way gates to prevent congestion.
Adjustments in stopping places and timings have helped streamline the flow of traffic, ensuring that the pilgrimage time remains consistent with normal days.
The Char Dham Yatra, which began on May 10 this year, includes the sacred Hindu pilgrimage circuit of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Uttarkashi, home to Yamunotri and Gangotri, has become a focal point of devotion as pilgrims flock to these revered sites. The River Yamuna, originating from the Yamunotri Glacier, adds to the spiritual significance of the journey.
Each year, the Char Dham Yatra peaks during the summer, drawing thousands of pilgrims to the sacred sites. The Uttarakhand government’s proactive measures aim to ensure that all devotees can participate in the Yatra safely and with minimal disruption.
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