PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Uttarkashi
All major tourism-related establishments in Uttarkashi have presented their demands to the administration and the State government with the Char Dham Yatra a little more than a fortnight away. All tourism stakeholders, including Shri Gangotri Temple Committee, hotel association, taxi Union, bus union and joint conservation committee submitted a memorandum to the DM, Uttarkashi, Prashant Arya and warned him that if their demands are not addressed immediately, they would withdraw themselves from the annual pilgrimage from April 25.
During this joint meeting and protest held in Uttarkashi, these organisations unanimously demanded complete abolition of the passenger registration/quota system imposed on the Char Dham Yatra. They stated that the capped number of pilgrims is severely impacting local businesses, the hotel industry, taxi and bus operations, affecting the livelihoods of thousands of people.
The memorandum also highlighted the poor condition of the Gangotri National Highway, questioning the work of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and demanded immediate repairs. They stated that if the road is not repaired before the pilgrimage begins, both the safety of pilgrims and travel arrangements will be affected.
In addition, there was a strong demand for the removal of police barriers installed at various locations along the pilgrimage routes. They stated that stopping passengers and local drivers at these barriers was causing unnecessary traffic jams and inconvenience. In particular, the detention of local taxi drivers at the Hina barrier was strongly resented.
There was also the demand regarding the Gangotri to Gomukh trek. They called for increasing the current limit of 150 tourists to 500. Those involved in the tourism business say that increasing trekking capacity will boost local employment and attract more tourists to the region.
Serious concerns were also raised about the supply of commercial gas cylinders. Hotel and restaurant owners said that gas shortages during the travel season impact their operations and so adequate supplies must be ensured in a timely manner.
They urged the DM to inform the chief minister about the serious challenges they have been facing as regards the Char Dham Yatra preparations. They demanded the CM’s immediate intervention.
