INDIA, May 30, 2024 (Outlook India): India’s holy Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage began on May 10, encompassing the revered sites of Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Yamunotri. But within days, a troubling scene emerged. Social media was flooded with images showing a narrow road crammed with thousands of devotees attempting to reach Yamunotri. More recent images show the cold weather in Kedarnath (above). In addition to the concerns, reports indicate a significant surge in tourist numbers for this year’s Char Dham Yatra compared to 2023. As of May 24, official figures show a staggering 967,000 pilgrims visiting the pilgrimage sites since May 10, with Kedarnath leading the pack at 424,000 visitors. However, this rise in visitors comes with a grim shadow.

According to data from the health department, nearly 60 pilgrims, mostly those over 60 years old, have died from heart attacks during the Yatra so far. Kedarnath again tops this tragic list with 28 fatalities. While this pales compared to the single-day disaster of 2023, where Kedarnath witnessed 23 deaths due to heavy snowfall, the overall rise in fatalities is a cause for concern. While the Char Dham pilgrimage attracts millions of devotees each year, it also faces overcrowding and challenges in managing visitor flow. While it is crucial to acknowledge these issues, steps are being taken to address them. One concern is the strain on resources due to unpredictable arrival patterns. Sachin Kurve, Secretary of Tourism and CEO of Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board explained, “The Char Dham Yatra remains open for six months. Some devotees either do not register at all or visit on dates different from those they registered for. This creates a big problem accommodating them since the facilities are limited.”

More at source.
https://www.outlookindia.com/traveller/as-char-dham-yatra-sees-record-numbers-unprepared-tourists-inadequate-infrastructure-cause-safety-concerns

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