With nearly twice the number of pilgrims embarking on the Char Dham yatra in Uttarakhand since it commenced on May 10, the state government has reported the death of 11 pilgrims in the first five days. Requesting pilgrims to transparently disclose any medical conditions, Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey reassured that comprehensive health screening measures have been put in place. "All incoming devotees are undergoing screening procedures and being provided with forms to detail their medical history," Pandey said. "It is imperative for devotees to furnish complete information regarding their health status. The four Dhams are situated at high altitudes, posing challenges for individuals transitioning from warmer climates. Thus far, reports indicate the demise of 11 individuals at various locations." According to health department officials, the deaths are mostly of the elderly with breathing or other underlying medical issues. The pilgrimage to Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Kedarnath Dham commenced on May 10, while the doors to Badrinath Dham opened on May 12. Over 1.55 lakh pilgrims have already journeyed to Kedarnath, over 70,000 to Yamunotri, and over 63,000 to Gangotri. Within just three days, Badrinath Dham has welcomed over 45,000 pilgrims. Earlier, Chief Secretary Radha Raturi had announced that this year, almost twice the number of pilgrims have arrived in Uttarakhand as compared to last year. She had emphasised on the need for tourists to register on the tourism department website before undertaking the yatra. It has also been mandated that mobile phones must not be used within a 200-meter radius of the Char Dham temple premises. During a review of the yatra management at the Secretariat, Raturi also said that an FIR will be lodged against those who defame the yatra through fake news or videos. She also highlighted instances where pilgrims have failed to disclose their medical history accurately or provided erroneous information during registration, and instructed officials to prioritise health screenings for pilgrims aged 50 and above. The Health Department has deployed 184 doctors, including 44 specialists, along the yatra route. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has assigned his secretary, R Meenakshi Sundaram, a senior IAS officer, to oversee the management of the yatra to Gangotri and Yamunotri.
