PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Tourism department has recently published advertisements inviting applications to facilitate free pilgrimage for Uttarakhand residents aged 60 years and above under the Deendayal Matri-Pitri Teerthatan Yojana. The scheme covers destinations including Gangotri Dham, Badrinath Dham along with Reetha Sahib, Nanakmatta in Udham Singh Nagar, Kaliyar Sharif in Haridwar, Tadkeshwar, Kalinka and Jwalpa Devi in Pauri, Kalimath in Rudraprayag, Jageshwar in Almora, Gairad Golu Dev and Baijnath in Bageshwar, Gangolihat in Pithoragarh and Mahasu Devta at Hanol in Dehradun.
According to Rohan Singh of the Tourism department, transportation, meals and stay are provided free of cost to all beneficiaries. Transport arrangements are made through the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation while food and accommodation are managed by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) and Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN). Pilgrims are required to carry only their personal belongings and essential items.
Singh stated that as part of the safety protocol, applicants must undergo a medical examination and submit a fitness certificate before the journey starts. The requirement is intended to ensure that participants are physically fit for travel, particularly to high-altitude and hilly destinations. Destinations are selected based on demand and the number of interested pilgrims.
He said that the department organises two to three yatras annually under the scheme. In the previous year, 49 senior citizens were taken on two pilgrimages. On June 14, the department invited applications under the scheme for this year.
A guide accompanies each group throughout the journey to assist participants and coordinate support whenever required. Though no doctor travels with the group, pilgrims can seek assistance through the guide in case of any health-related issue or emergency during the trip.
