Authorities impose travel ban on children and elderly due to heavy snow in Hemkund Sahib
Tuesday, 16 May 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Considering the heavy snow in Hemkund Sahib, the Chamoli district administration on Monday imposed a ban on the travel of children and elders above 60 years. The president of Gurdwara Sri Hemkund Sahib Management Trust Narendrajit Singh Bindra said in an official statement that the number of pilgrims coming to Hemkund will be kept limited as per the instructions of the Chamoli district administration. He said that due to seven to eight feet of snow in Hemkund Sahib area, a ban has been imposed on the travel of children, sick people, especially those with breathing issues and elders above 60 years of age till further orders.
He said that the authorities reached this decision for the safety of pilgrims after district magistrate Himanshu Khurana and superintendent of police Pramendra Dobhal inspected the area on Saturday along with officials of the departments concerned. He said that the doors of Hemkund Sahib are reopening on May 20 and he is satisfied with the arrangements made by the authorities and the committee regarding the Yatra. He said that all the pilgrims must get themselves registered before arriving here. If somebody fails to get their registration done, they must complete the registration process in the Rishikesh Gurudwara premises, added Bindra. It is pertinent to mention here that the DM walked for 18 kilometres and took stock of ongoing preparations on Saturday for the Yatra, as per the district officials.
He started his inspection from Govind Ghat Gurudwara and reached Hemkund Sahib. He asked officials to raise hectometre stones and signage in the route for the convenience of pilgrims. He also inspected all the arrangements like electricity, water, toilets, cleanliness and health facilities. He also instructed Jal Sansthan officials to start water ATMs in Ghangharia and provide water ATMs near the medical relief post and passenger shed in Bhundar, as per the officials. He instructed officials concerned to make all the necessary arrangements in the stipulated time.
