Even as tour operators started bookings for the annual Char Dham yatra commencing from April 21, the State government is yet to take measures to collect data of those going to the pilgrimage from the State.
Apparently, authorities are undecided on the desired safety measures and other arrangements that needed to be put in place ahead of this year’s yatra, one reason being the problems they are facing in tracing pilgrims stranded in the hill shrine during yatra owing to inclement climatic conditions.
Last year, at least 28 pilgrims, including a dozen women from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, were stranded near Badrinath, while returning, due to bad weather. The pilgrims were caught unawares as rain lashed the area inundating the hilly terrain.
The copious rains resulted in landslips and flash floods forcing pilgrims to take shelter in an ashram. About 87 pilgrims from the State were declared missing after a landslide hit the terrain on June 16, 2013.
Checklist
Officials from the disaster management said that a checklist was sent to the district Collectorates before the commencement of yatra last year but authorities in several districts failed to respond. “We requested the Collectors to collect data of pilgrims in their district through village revenue officers but nothing concrete has happened as they were busy in making preparations for local body and general elections last time,” a senior official said.
This year, the disaster management authority is planning to reissue the checklist to the district Collectorates requesting to collect pilgrims’ data.
Plans have also been made to conduct a meeting with tour operators on safety measures.
Encouraging response
Meanwhile, tour operators said the response was encouraging this time as many devotees were confirming their bookings.
“We are charging Rs.16,500 from a pilgrim (sharing accommodation) and Rs.21,000 (individual accommodation) for a 15-day yatra covering New Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath,” said Murali from Yatra Darshini.
Last year, 28 pilgrims, including a dozen women from A.P. and TS, were stranded near Badrinath
More than 87 pilgrims from unified A.P. went missing after a landslide hit on June 16, 2013
