Thursday, 13 June 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
In view of the recent deaths of 35 pilgrims who had visited Badrinath Dham in Chamoli over the past month, Chamoli’s superintendent of police Sarvesh Panwar issued instructions for pilgrims to follow before visiting any Char Dham shrine.
He said that devotees with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, pregnant women and devotees above 50 years of age should not travel alone. The pilgrims should always carry first aid medicines for common cold, stomach ache and vomiting as these issues are usually common among people while travelling. The SP stated that the weather in the mountains can change suddenly so it is important to have warm items like a cap, socks, sweater, and jacket besides a raincoat and an umbrella. If somebody has any existing health issues, they must make sure to bring their prescribed medicines and their doctor’s contact details so that they are reachable during emergencies to seek health related information.
The pilgrims must stay hydrated throughout their journey and avoid travelling on an empty stomach. If one experiences health problems, one must seek medical help immediately rather than avoiding it. The pilgrims should have a proper health check-up and consult their doctor before commencing the pilgrimage. They should also refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol or drugs during the journey. The pilgrims can contact the police at 112 if they face any issue during their journey, Panwar said.
