Untimely rains, snowfall: Citizens urge Govt to make emergency arrangements for Yatra
MANSI BHAMBRI/Dehradun
Concerned citizens have urged the government to implement effective measures to ensure seamless services for pilgrims and support local businesses during the upcoming Char Dham Yatra, scheduled to commence on April 19. This appeal comes amid adverse weather conditions, with rainfall and snowfall reported at the Dham, potentially disrupting the pilgrimage.
Former principal medical superintendent at Deen Dayal Upadhyay District Hospital in Dehradun Dr VS Chauhan said for the Char Dham Yatra this year, concerns have increased among pilgrims due to the current weather conditions. He said that recent rainfall in some areas of the district, along with snowfall at the Char Dham, has decreased temperatures, resulting in increased cold. As the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra approaches, these weather conditions have become a significant concern. Under such circumstances, pilgrims may suffer from viral fever, cold, cough, pneumonia and in some cases, the risk of heart attacks may also rise. To mitigate such risks, pilgrims should consult a doctor before visiting the Yatra, as well as to carry warm clothing and necessary medications. Chauhan added that while health camps are established annually during the Char Dham Yatra, the government should be especially vigilant this year given the current weather conditions. This includes ensuring an adequate stock of medicine and making proper accommodation arrangements for pilgrims at the Yatra.
A social worker and local resident of Sonprayag, who owns a hotel in the area Diwakar Gairola stated that clearing snow from the pilgrimage routes will take 10 to 12 days. As the commencement period of the Char Dham Yatra nears, this snowfall may pose challenges for local businesses in providing goods and materials for the pilgrims. To address this, Gairola suggested that the government should ensure the delivery of these supplies to local businesses at the Char Dham via helicopters. Further, he noted that when the snowfall clears, there could be significant traffic congestion as many business owners rush to transport their stocks. He recommended that the government consider a solution for this, too.
“Given the current weather conditions, especially the snowfall observed at the Char Dham has become a concern. I urge that if the weather situation remains the same in the upcoming days, the authorities should restrict the number of pilgrims permitted to participate in the Char Dham Yatra during this period. A large influx of pilgrims could strain accommodations and pose health risks due to the cold weather,” stated Shiv Singh Rawat, a former member of the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC).
