In response to an overwhelming surge of devotees at the Badrinath and Kedarnath Dhams, the Uttarakhand government has taken proactive measures by deploying Yatra Magistrates to oversee crowd management at these revered pilgrimage sites.
According to an official statement from the Uttarakhand government, Ashok Kumar Pandey has been appointed at Badrinath, while Pankaj Kumar Upadhyay will be stationed at Kedarnath Temple as Yatra Magistrates. Their deployment is scheduled from May 26 to June 6, with the primary responsibility of maintaining peace, order, and facilitating smooth conduct of the Yatra.
The Char Dham Yatra has witnessed an unprecedented influx of pilgrims at the Yamunotri and Gangotri Dhams within the first 15 days of the pilgrimage season. On Friday alone, 9,812 pilgrims visited Yamunotri Dham, while 13,602 made their way to Gangotri Dham. These numbers mark a significant increase compared to previous years, with 3,63,537 visitors recorded at the two holy sites since the pilgrimage season commenced.
Despite the remarkable growth, the Char Dham Yatra has proceeded seamlessly, owing to meticulous planning and coordination by district authorities. District Magistrate Dr. Meherban Singh Bisht has played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of the pilgrimage, emphasizing the importance of tight travel arrangements and registration protocols to maintain organization and safety amidst the large crowds.
Efforts to manage the surge in pilgrims and vehicles have been effective, with measures such as vehicle management at holding points and one-way gates implemented to prevent congestion. Adjustments in stopping places and timings have further streamlined traffic flow, ensuring a consistent pilgrimage experience.
The Char Dham Yatra, encompassing the sacred Hindu pilgrimage circuit of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, began on May 10 this year. Uttarkashi, home to Yamunotri and Gangotri, has witnessed a significant influx of pilgrims, drawn by the spiritual significance of these revered sites, particularly the River Yamuna originating from the Yamunotri Glacier.
As the pilgrimage season peaks in Uttarakhand, the Char Dham Yatra continues to attract devotees annually during the summer months, reinforcing the region’s status as a focal point of devotion and spiritual significance for millions of pilgrims.
