Uttarakhand Minister Bharat Singh Chaudhary noted a significant increase in pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra this year, positively impacting the state’s tourism sector and creating more job opportunities for locals. The pilgrimage to the sacred sites of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri is experiencing a record influx of devotees. Minister Chaudhary emphasized the preparedness of various agencies like the police, NDRF, and SDRF to manage the higher number of pilgrims.
The Minister acknowledged the rise in pilgrimages leading to enhanced employment opportunities for the local population. Despite the large crowds, he highlighted the absence of any untoward incidents, indicating effective crowd control measures. Adequate basic amenities, medical facilities, and provisions for animals have been arranged along the pilgrimage route, with special focus on the Kedarnath-Gauri Kund stretch.
Notably, the pilgrimage committee reported a total of 12.62 lakh pilgrims visiting the Char Dham by May 14, with a daily influx of up to 80,000 devotees. The opening of Gangotri and Yamunotri temples on April 19 and Kedarnath and Badrinath shrines on April 22 and 23, respectively, marked the beginning of the pilgrimage season.
