SC appointed high-powered committee inspects Yamunotri highway for proposed widening
Sunday, 02 June 2024 | PNS | UTTARKASHI
The high-powered committee formed by the Supreme Court under former Justice AK Sikri regarding the Char Dham road project conducted a site inspection of the stretch of the national highway to Yamunotri from Paligad to Janakichatti on Saturday. The stretch which is currently a single-lane road is proposed to be widened under the all-weather road project. Inspecting the site along with officials of the district administration, Sikri also sought feedback of the local public representatives during the visit.
Uttarkashi district magistrate Meharban Singh Bisht said that traditionally the Char Dham Yatra starts from Yamunotri. The number of pilgrims visiting Yamunotri is increasing every year. “The start of the Yatra this year saw a record number of devotees and vehicles. The excessive traffic load results in issues in managing the traffic on the narrow stretch of the road between Paligad and Janakichatti. The Char Dham Yatra is a major destination for devotees and also a source of livelihood for the locals. Considering these aspects and to facilitate a convenient experience, the stretch of the road in question should be widened as early as possible,” he said.
Former judge Sikri said that the committee will properly consider the feedback received from all sides and then reach a conclusion.
It is pertinent to mention here that considering the rising number of pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra which includes Gangotri and Yamunotri temples in Uttarkashi district, the support for the proposed widening of the highways to these shrines has gained momentum especially considering the issues faced due to crowding and traffic jams experienced in the initial days of the Yatra this year. On the other hand, there are others who state that cutting a large number of mature Deodar and other trees to widen the road will be detrimental especially as the authorities have failed in crowd control and have not even worked on the concept of carrying capacity.
