Rishikesh

Char Dham Yatra Administration Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Prajapati Nautiyal on Wednesday outlined preparations for the pilgrimage's second phase starting September 15 this year, predicting that the footfall of devotees will likely exceed 55 lakh this season.  

Speaking to ANI, Nautiyal stated that the administration has rectified the issues along vulnerable routes, including landslide-prone areas, high-difficulty spots, and traffic congestion bottlenecks, to ensure smooth operations throughout the journey. 

"Regarding the Char Dham Yatra, we can see that the monsoon season is gradually coming to an end, and the number of travellers and pilgrims is increasing day by day. Undoubtedly, this second phase of the Yatra will be a pleasant and safe experience.  A review meeting of the implementation committee was held recently on August 29th. Issues regarding vulnerable routes, such as landslide-prone areas, spots with significant difficulties, or traffic congestion points, have been addressed and rectified to ensure smooth operations," said Natutiyal. 

The OSD highlighted that the pilgrimage is currently proceeding systematically, noting that the number of devotees visiting the shrines now exceeds 13,000 to 14,000. 

Ahead of the Char Dham Yatra's second phase, Nautiyal mentioned that around 59 lakh pilgrims registered for the yatra last year, and more than 51 lakh visited the four shrines. Compared to last year, over 64 lakh pilgrims have registered for the yatra so far this year, and more than 50 lakh 61 thousand devotees have already completed their pilgrimage. 

Nautiyal added that the Char Dham Yatra administration anticipates the overall figure for this season will likely exceed 55 lakh.

"The pilgrimage is currently proceeding systematically, with pilgrim numbers rising daily; the number of devotees visiting the shrines is now exceeding 13,000 to 14,000. Looking at the data from last year, there were over 59 lakh registrations, and correspondingly, more than 51 lakh pilgrims visited the four shrines. As for the current season, over 64 lakh pilgrims have registered so far, and more than 50 lakh 61 thousand devotees have already completed their pilgrimage and returned home. We anticipate that the figure for this season will likely exceed 55 lakh, and we are striving to ensure the pilgrimage is pleasant, comfortable, and safe," added Nautiyal. 

The OSD of the Char Dham Yatra also emphasised that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is keeping a close watch on the arrangements and the Garhwal Commissioner is regularly holding review meetings to ensure the smooth conduct of the Yatra. 

The Garhwal Commissioner has issued directives to make necessary arrangements, such as setting up bonfires to combat the cold, with all districts duly initiating preparations if the upcoming weather becomes cold. 

"The Chief Minister is keeping a close watch, and the Garhwal Commissioner is regularly holding review meetings to ensure the smooth conduct of the Yatra... Directives have been given by the Garhwal Commissioner to make necessary arrangements, such as providing bonfires to combat the cold, and all districts have duly begun their preparations for when the temperature drops. While the weather is currently fine, instructions have been issued to ensure robust arrangements at various locations as soon as the weather turns colder," added Nautiyal. 

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The annual Char Dham Yatra commenced this year on April 19 with the ceremonial opening of the portals of Yamunotri and Gangotri. The sacred Hindu pilgrimage covers four holy shrines, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The shrines remain open to devotees for approximately six months annually, running from Akshaya Tritiya in April/May through Diwali in October/November.