Lack of public toilets on Chopta- Tungnath route creating problems for pilgrims: Rawat

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun

Former MLA of Kedarnath Manoj Rawat has said that lack of toilets in the world famous Chopta- Tungnath bridle path is creating problems for the pilgrims and tourists. Rawat, who had recently visited Tungnath considered as the third Kedar, told The Pioneer that it is unfortunate that there is no public toilet in Chopta from which the pilgrims take a 3.4 kilometre long trek to the Tungnath temple. He added that there is no toilet between Chopta and Tungnath which forces people to ease out in the open. Rawat said that there is only one toilet in Tungnath which was constructed way back in 1975 by the Health department. He added that this toilet too has been rendered unusable by lack of cleanliness.

 “I was really surprised to find that there is no toilet in Chopta which is located on the Badrinath- Kedarnath route and is frequented by thousands of pilgrims daily during the Char Dham Yatra. Chopta is also an important tourist destination. There is no public toilet on the Chopta- Tungnath trekking route due to which pilgrims especially women face problems.  This government which talks about Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and sanitation should take immediate cognizance of the issue,’’ he said.

 It is pertinent to mention here that Tungnath holds the unique distinction of being the world’s highest Shiva temple. The temple is located at an altitude of 3,680 metres above the mean sea level. The pilgrims have to trek for about 3.4 kilometres from Chopta to reach Tungnath.