North India, Particularly Kedarnath faced a massive flood and landslide in the year 2018. People all around were really apprehensive about the Char Dam Yathra. Char Dam Yathra is a set of four destinations including the Kedarnath, Yamunotri, Gangotri and Badrinath. Thanks to the good administration of government by remarkably reconstructing the route has brought in a steep hike in the number of pilgrims visiting the spot.
In 2018, the number of pilgrims visiting the place was recorded to be 28 lakhs, with the same level maintaining even this year. Taking the statistics till August 25th, 28,06,400 visited the spot, out of which 7,32,000 people registered through photometric registration, 30,000 through online registration and 26,000 registered through mobile applications. One of PM Narendra Modi’s dream projects, the Char dam highway is expected to increase the number of pilgrims to double.
Roads and paths leading to Kedarnath, Uttarakhand has been totally wrecked or destroyed after the devastating flood. Reconstruction works began soon after and a good pace of work made the project a success in a very short time.
Before, the way to the main entrance was a 10meter wide path. After reconstruction, new stairways where build with 2,660 stones carved and place on it. A new special platform was also made so that tourists and pilgrims can view Kedarnath from a distance avoiding the dense crowd. A facility for 3000 pilgrims to stay in the temple premises has also been added in the new renovation and also an extension of 50 meters width to the 270meter long path to the entry has also been made.
Uttarakhand Chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, on September 2nd, inaugurated the Swami Vivekananda Hospital at the base camp of Kedarnath, with the facilitiy of 12 beds, X-ray, ventilators and ICU and pilgrims are given free treatment there. On the Gaurikand- Kedarnath way/path, nine MRP’s (Medical Relief Points) have been set at an inter distance of 17kms and two warm rooms has also been provided.
Helicopter services has begun from September 10th and will extent till October 20th, it can be booked online and availed from Guptkashi.
Government has taken much of responsibilities and precautions to provide pilgrims with best of facilities including health care. Monitoring of health facilities and banning the single usage of plastic are two most important among the orders given to district magistrates.
Edited by: The World Women News team
