How Uttarakhand plans to put a stop to Char Dham chaos

Amid chaotic scenes from Char Dham Yatra, the Uttarakhand government is reportedly planning to create a "Dharmik Yatra Authority." According to the Times of India, this authority will regulate Char Dham and other pilgrimages like the Kanwar yatra. The state govt is mulling on several long-term and short-term solutions as well, the report added.

This year's heavy rush of devotees has highlighted the need for regulation.

The "Dharmik Yatra Authority" will manage issues like daily pilgrim limits, routes, health, and security arrangements. Concerned departments will follow the authority's guidelines, said Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj. He noted that Uttarakhand will study Uttar Pradesh's regulatory model for religious events before implementing it locally.


The minister emphasized the need for the authority due to the growing response to Char Dham and other religious events from both domestic and international devotees. He pointed out that district magistrates typically manage yatra proceedings, but frequent transfers disrupt continuity, necessitating definite and planned guidelines. Maharaj has discussed the matter with CM Pushkar Singh Dhami and promised positive steps soon.

The minister also advocated for a daily cap on pilgrims, noting that actual turnouts often exceed set limits. In response to the high turnout, R Meenakshi Sundaram, the CM's secretary, has been directed to monitor the Gangotri and Yamunotri pilgrimages in Uttarkashi.

The Char Dham Yatra, a significant Hindu pilgrimage from April-May to October-November, includes four holy sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.