Sunday, 09 April 2023 | PNS | JOSHIMATH/ DEHRADUN
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has assured that the Joshimath and Auli are completely safe and ready for the Char Dham Yatra. He was addressing a programme after inaugurating the two day Auli Marathon in Joshimath on Saturday. The event is being organised under the joint aegis of the Uttarakhand Ski Mountaineering association and Ski running association.
Inaugurating the Marathon at the Narsingh and Nav Durga temple premises on the day the CM said that the mega event (Auli Marathon) proves that the Joshimath is safe. He said that this year the winter games in Auli could not be organised due to lack of snow in Auli. He said that Uttarakhand is ready to welcome the pilgrims and tourists in the upcoming Char Dham Yatra. The CM said that initially an environment of fear was being created for Joshimath but now everything is normal. Dhami said that the State government took many positive steps in Joshimath which helped in coming out of the negative situation. Congratulating the organisers of the event the CM said that the State government is trying to implement many such measures on ground which would help in promoting tourism in the State.
He said that more than 11.30 lakh pilgrims have already registered themselves for the Char Dham Yatra commencing from April 22. Dhami expressed confidence that more pilgrims than last year would visit the State for the Yatra this year.
The president of the Ski Mountaineering association Ajay Bhatt said that the Sky running and sky ultra races would be organised in the event in which more than 300 athletes from different states of the country are taking part. The people from nearby villages and schools are also participating in the event. He said due to non organisation of winter games in Auli the tourist sector has been affected. Bhatt said that the Auli Marathon is being organised to give a message of Safe Joshimath.
The president of Uttarakhand BJP Mahendra Bhatt, Karnprayag MLA Anil Nautital, Tharali MLA BR Tamta, chairman of the BKTC Ajendra Ajay and others were present on the occasion.
