Uttarakhand Plans 'Dharmik Yatra Authority' Amid Surging 'Char Dham' Pilgrim Numbers

Amid heavy influx of devotees for the Char Dham Yatra, the Uttarakhand government is planning to create a "Dharmik Yatra Authority".

The Uttarakhand government is planning to create a "Dharmik Yatra Authority" to regulate the Char Dham and other pilgrimages like the Kanwar yatra, according to a Times of India report.

The state government is also considering several long-term and short-term solutions to address these issues.

The heavy rush of devotees this year has highlighted the need for regulation.

The proposed "Dharmik Yatra Authority" will be responsible for managing daily pilgrim limits, routes, health, and security arrangements.

Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj stated that concerned departments would follow the guidelines set by this authority.

Uttarakhand will also study Uttar Pradesh's regulatory model for religious events before implementing a similar system locally.

The minister emphasised the need for the authority due to the growing response to Char Dham and other religious events from both domestic and international devotees.

He pointed out that district magistrates typically manage yatra proceedings, but frequent transfers disrupt continuity, necessitating definite and planned guidelines.

Maharaj said he had discussed the matter with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and assured that positive steps will be taken soon.

The minister also advocated for implementing a daily cap on the number of pilgrims, noting that actual turnout often exceeds the set limits.

In response to the high turnout, R Meenakshi Sundaram, the CM's secretary, has been directed to monitor the Gangotri and Yamunotri pilgrimages in Uttarkashi.

The Char Dham Yatra, a significant Hindu pilgrimage from April To October-November, includes four holy sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.

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