Sunday, 18 April 2021 | PNS | Dehradun
Taking cognisance of the surging Covid-19 cases including that of the new strain across the nation, the State’s Tourism and Culture minister Satpal Maharaaz has said that CBNAAT, RT-PCR and TrueNat tests are mandatory for devotees coming from other states to the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar and the Char Dham Yatra. The minister has also requested all to get vaccinated.
Maharaaz said that devotees coming to the Kumbh or Char Dham Yatra should follow all the Covid guidelines including the wearing of masks and maintaining social distancing while observing religious traditions. Welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to observe the Kumbh Mela symbolically considering the surge in Covid-19 cases, the minister reiterated that CBNAAT, RT-PCR and TrueNat tests will be mandatory for all coming from other states to the Kumbh and Char Dham Yatra. He said, “We welcome the Sadhus who want to observe the complete Kumbh as per tradition. However, I would like to stress here that the Covid regulations should be followed during the Snans to be held on April 27 and 30 in the Kumbh.” He further said that the Snan of the Dev Dolis in the Kumbh will be held on the designated date with observance of the Covid regulations.
Maharaaz said that he had talked to the chief minister Tirath Singh Rawat regarding this, adding that wearing of masks, observing social distancing and use of sanitisers will be mandatory on this occasion. The minister averred that the state government is fully prepared for the Char Dham Yatra. In addition to observance of Covid regulations, three different Covid tests have also been made mandatory. Any person coming from another state will have to get these tests done mandatorily.
Online registration will be done for the Char Dham Yatra and approval will be granted after the different necessary tests. Pilgrims will be allowed to undertake the Char Dham Yatra as per the fixed capacity, he added. It is pertinent to mention here that Gangotri and Yamunotri will be reopened to the public on May 14, Kedarnath will be reopened on May 17 and Badrinath on May 18.
