Pilgrims on Adi Kailash Yatra suggest vehicles be allowed up to Parvati Sarovar
Thursday, 26 September 2024 | PNS | PITHORAGARH
The 15 pilgrims who viewed the sacred Kailash peak in the eastern Himalaya Kumaon range under the second phase of the Adi Kailash Yatra being organised by Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) on Wednesday looked overwhelmed with emotions. “It is a rare opportunity for us to behold the sacred mountain and we will cherish it forever,” said co-founder and managing director at Adapt Fintech Fintso Rajan Pathak who came from Mumbai along with his wife Anjali Pathak.
Though the couple along with other pilgrims warmly appreciated the arrangements made by the administration and KMVN on roads, parking and accommodation, they said that things would have been better if the aged ones like them were not forced to ascend to high-altitude Jolkingkong either by riding horses or by trekking. “We are uncomfortable with both these options. We are not accustomed to riding and it does not stand to reason why the pilgrims who are mostly senior citizens have to walk 2.5 km at an altitude of 16,500 feet. Often they fall sick and are admitted at army-run medical facility. We wonder why vehicles are not allowed up to Parvati Sarovar, particularly when the roads are ready and the Army has no objection. Maybe this is because the administration wants to ensure that the local horse operators are not deprived of their income during the pilgrimage season,” he said.
“We support the government and empathise with the locals who eke out living by ferrying pilgrims. So, our humble suggestion is that the entry fees for the pilgrims may be appropriately hiked and a part or whole of what is collected be distributed among these registered horse operators. This will be win-win for all involved,” he said, adding that he had suggested the same to the sub-divisional magistrate, Dharchula.
Nodding agreement to her husband’s suggestion, Anjali said that they were looking forward to the SDM taking initiatives to take it to higher authorities.
