Tips for a Smooth Chardham Yatra 2024 Journey Amidst Challenges

Tips for a Smooth Chardham Yatra

The state government is actively preparing for a smooth and safe Chardham Yatra. However, challenges such as bad weather, landslides, and environmental issues remain, particularly in the high Himalayan regions. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is closely monitoring efforts to address these challenges before the yatra starts.

Officials are continuously receiving guidance from senior departmental officials regarding trip arrangements. Chardham Yatra is vital for the state’s economy, supporting the livelihoods of many families. The yatra will commence with the opening of Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri Dham on May 10th, followed by Badrinath Dham on May 12th.

The state government has undertaken thorough preparations to ensure smooth and secure travel during the Chardham Yatra. Over recent years, the pilgrimage has seen a notable increase in devotee numbers, surpassing 46 lakh in 2022 and exceeding 56 lakh in 2023. Various services like horse-mule rides, porter assistance, women’s support groups, helicopter services, and local businesses including hotels and restaurants have seen significant financial gains from the pilgrimage.

Ban on Char Dham VIP darshan for first 15 days

Due to the heavy crowds of devotees at the Dhams early in the Yatra, VIP darshan is prohibited for the initial 15 days. The government requested all states to postpone Chardham Yatra, especially VVIP darshan at Kedarnath, in the first 15 days of the yatra.

Women expect to sell Prasad worth one crore

During the Yatra, there is significant demand for Amaranth(chaulai) Prasad, with many women from self-help groups in Kedarghati preparing it. This year, Prasad worth one crore is expected to be sold to the women. Last year, women had created a new record by selling Prasad prepared from chaulai worth about Rs 67 lakh. Additionally, farmers in the villages, particularly in Rudraprayag district, have benefited from this, with 753 quintals of chaulai purchased from 808 farmers.

Business of horse-mule operators will also increase

Seeing the huge enthusiasm of the passengers, the business of horse-mule operators is also expected to increase this time. In the year 2023, horse-mule operators had done a business of Rs 125 crore in the Kedarnath Yatra that lasted for 205 days. District Panchayat has also got a revenue of Rs 3 crore from this.

Earned Rs 50 crore by setting up tents

The Char Dham journey has rejuvenated the residential properties of GMVN.
During the last Yatra period, the corporation has earned more than Rs 50 crore by setting up tents in the Dham for the stay of Kedarnath pilgrims. Good business has also been received from the corporation’s tourist accommodation houses located on the yatra route.

Important advice for traveling Char Dham Yatra

• Chardham is located in the Himalayan region, the oxygen level is also low, so proceed only after health checkup.
• The government has also made arrangements for health testing. People suffering from blood pressure, sugar and heart disease should be more careful. Decide to go on a trip only after medical consultation.
• Carry essential life saving medicines with you during the journey. Also keep medicines for cold, fever, headache etc. with you.
• Take special care of food during the journey and eat fresh food.
• The weather changes from moment to moment in the high Himalayan regions. Therefore, keep necessary things like woolen clothes, blanket, waterproof bed, raincoat, umbrella, torch etc.

Challenges of Chardham Yatra

• Weather is the biggest challenge in Chardham Yatra. The journey has to be stopped when the weather is bad. In such a situation, it is a big challenge to take the pilgrims to a safe place. Due to increase in the number of passengers, the government has now had to make extensive arrangements.
• When it rains, landslide zones become a hindrance on the travel route. Despite the efforts of the government and BRO, many landslide zones remain a problem in the Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath yatra routes. However, when it rains, the government deploys security personnel and sends the passengers safely to their destination.
• The Himalayan region is extremely sensitive from environmental point of view. Increasing human activities in the high Himalayan region can cause harm to the environment here. This time, although special arrangements have been made for disposal of plastic waste, maintaining the environment here is still a big challenge.

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