SDC Foundation releases Char Dham Yatra 2025 report, calls for safety-focused management

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE / Dehradun

The SDC Foundation on Saturday released a report on the Char Dham Yatra 2025, urging the State government to prioritise safety, sustainability and better planning instead of focusing mainly on increasing pilgrim numbers. The report, titled ‘Pathways to Pilgrimage: Data Insights, Challenges and Opportunities’, was released at the Uttaranchal Press Club by social activist Anoop Nautiyal. It is based on analysis of 210 days (30 weeks) of Yatra-related data and includes trends on daily, weekly and monthly pilgrim movement, Nautiyal said. 

According to the report, a total of 51.06 lakh pilgrims undertook the Char Dham Yatra in 2025. This was a 6.4 per cent increase compared to 48.01 lakh pilgrims in 2024, but lower than the 56.16 lakh recorded in 2023. The study covered Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib, the report said. It noted that the pilgrim movement remained heavily concentrated in the early phase of the Yatra. Nearly 72 per cent of pilgrims completed the pilgrimage within the first 60 days, with May and June accounting for the bulk of the footfall. The sixth week of the Yatra (June 4–10) recorded the highest turnout, with more than 5.47 lakh pilgrims, it added. The report also highlighted disruptions during the season, stating that 86 zero-footfall days were recorded across the shrines due to weather conditions, landslides and infrastructure-related issues. Yamunotri and Gangotri reported the highest number of such days, according to the report. 

It also flagged concerns over overcrowding during peak weeks, pressure on infrastructure and safety risks in high-altitude areas. According to the report, at least five helicopter-related incidents were reported within six weeks during the Yatra period, including two fatal crashes in which about a dozen persons died.

The foundation said that the excessive focus on increasing pilgrim numbers without adequate infrastructure planning could create risks for pilgrims as well as the fragile Himalayan environment. It also pointed out that low footfall during several weeks affects local livelihoods dependent on pilgrimage tourism. Among its recommendations, the report called for carrying capacity-based planning, stronger disaster management systems, stricter helicopter safety norms and improved medical preparedness along the Yatra routes. It also stressed the need for better coordination between agencies and wider use of technology for monitoring pilgrim movement.

Nautiyal added that the findings have been shared with the Tourism minister and the chief secretary for consideration in future planning of the pilgrimage.