"Avoid VVIP darshan during Chardham Yatra": Uttarakhand govt writes to Chief Secretaries

The Chardham Yatra is scheduled to commence from May 10.

Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Radha Raturi has written a letter to all the Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories, requesting them to avoid VVIP darshan for 15 days during the annual Chardham Yatra 2024. The Yatra is scheduled to commence from May 10.

An official statement said, "While the Uttarakhand state administration is gearing up for hosting the pilgrims and ensuring a hastle-free yatra; considering the unprecendented footfall, it is requested that dignataries and state officials may avoid visiting the Dhams during the period from 10th to-25th May 2024, for the sake of convenience". It added: "I would request your support in making the Chardham Yatra 2024 a memorable experience for all devotees".

The Chardham Yatra, a pilgrimage to four holy sites--Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath--is a significant journey for devotees. The pilgrimage starts from Yamunotri, proceeds towards Gangotri, onto Kedarnath, and finally ends at Badrinath, following a clockwise direction. The high-altitude shrines remain shut for around six months every year, opening in summer (April or May) and closing with the onset of winter (October or November). The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) conducted a tabletop exercise at the Secretariat auditorium in Dehradun on Tuesday to review the ongoing preparations for the Yatra.

Earlier, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a meeting on Friday to review preparations for Yatra. During the meeting, CM Dhami directed officials to ensure proper arrangements for electricity, drinking water, and roads on the travel routes during the Yatra. (ANI)

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