The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is witnessing a record influx of pilgrims this year, with Badrinath and Gangotri recording footfall above previous highs amid enhanced arrangements by the state government.
According to the state government, more than 18.10 lakh pilgrims have visited Badrinath Dham so far, while Gangotri has recorded its highest-ever footfall of 8.41 lakh devotees. More than 7.5 lakh pilgrims have visited Yamunotri, while Kedarnath has recorded 15.57 lakh visitors.
Overall, 53,23,401 pilgrims have visited the four Char Dham shrines so far this pilgrimage season, compared with around 46 lakh during the corresponding period last year.
With nearly one-and-a-half months of the pilgrimage season still remaining, the state government expects the number of visitors to rise further.
The Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage has also recorded strong footfall, with 3,52,765 devotees visiting the shrine so far. The government said the figure has crossed the three-lakh mark for the first time in several years.
The pilgrimage is being conducted under heightened monitoring, with the safety of devotees a priority. The Disaster Management Department has been kept on round-the-clock alert in Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Uttarkashi districts, which are key points along the Char Dham route.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the first phase of the Char Dham Yatra had been successful and that a large number of pilgrims were arriving during the second phase as well.
“Keeping this in view, all necessary arrangements have been made for a safe, smooth, and organised pilgrimage. The Disaster Management Department has been kept on alert in all districts connected with the yatra,” Dhami said.
He said senior officials at the state and district levels were continuously reviewing arrangements to ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims.
