PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Tourism and Culture minister Satpal Maharaj has advised devotees to consult a doctor before undertaking the Char Dham Yatra and to prepare according to their health condition.
He said this while speaking to the media after offering prayers at Badrinath and Kedarnath temples on Monday. Maharaj prayed for the prosperity and well-being of the country, State, and for global peace amid the current crises. He also inspected reconstruction work at the temple complex and performed a special Puja for safe and smooth conduct of the yatra. Maharaj said that Char Dham Yatra is seeing record footfall this year and the State government is continuously working to ensure pilgrim convenience and safety. Citing high-altitude oxygen deficiency risks, he urged pilgrims to carry necessary medicines, equipment, identity cards and travel permits, and to strictly follow government guidelines and cooperate with local administration.
The minister also announced that through his organisation Manav Utthan Seva Samiti, an insurance cover worth Rs 10 crore has been secured for Char Dham pilgrims. A premium cheque of Rs 3,67,995, including service tax, was handed to United India Insurance Company Ltd through the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee. Under the scheme, accident insurance of Rs 2.5 crore has been set for each shrine. As per the policy, devotees affected by stampede, natural calamity, or terrorism inside temple premises will receive Rs one lakh compensation.
