PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The number of pilgrims visiting Gangotri has crossed 7.84 lakh for the first time this year. According to officials, in the 147 of the Char Dham Yatra till September 12, more than 50 lakh had visited the Char Dham which is five lakh more than in the corresponding period last year.
The footfalls in Badrinath are also high with more than 17 lakh having visited in the 143 days of the pilgrimage, which is 3.45 lakh more than the number during the corresponding period last year. Officials said that on the directions of chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Yatra is being conducted with alertness and proper monitoring. Top priority is being accorded to the safety of pilgrims with all necessary steps being taken for this.
The Disaster Management department has been kept alert round the clock in Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Uttarkashi districts where the Char Dham are located. The CM said that the first phase of the pilgrimage has been very successful. A large number of devotees are expected to arrive in the second phase too. Considering this, all necessary arrangements have been made for a safe, convenient and systematic pilgrimage, he added.
