Kedarnath Yatra Sees Unprecedented Rush: 6.5 Lakh Pilgrims Throng Sonprayag

The Kedarnath Yatra witnesses an overwhelming number of devotees at Sonprayag, prompting authorities to enhance crowd control measures. With 6.5 lakh pilgrims visiting so far and a surge due to holidays, officials deploy dedicated officers and encourage walking to ease congestion. Continuous monitoring ensures smooth yatra management.

The Kedarnath Yatra, a significant spiritual journey for many devotees, has reached its peak with a staggering number of pilgrims gathering at Sonprayag. The site, a critical point for worshipers of Baba Kedar, is witnessing long queues as thousands await shuttle services. According to District Magistrate Vishal Mishra, approximately 6.5 lakh pilgrims have visited Shri Kedarnath Dham since the season began, with crowd volumes surging during the holiday period.

In response to the growing influx, authorities have instituted additional crowd control measures. A dedicated CO-rank officer, alongside sector officers and SDMs, has been appointed to manage foot traffic effectively. Mishra emphasized the importance of these arrangements in an interview with ANI, highlighting the appointment of an officer tasked with overseeing crowd management comprehensively, supported by sector and SDM officers.

To tackle heavy congestion, especially during peak hours, devotees are occasionally directed to proceed on foot towards Gaurikund, mitigating the risk of traffic jams. Regular patrolling by RTO and CO officials ensures that the pilgrimage route remains unobstructed. In light of concerns raised by local residents, the administration is committed to enhancing shuttle services and continuously monitoring the yatra's progress to alleviate any inconvenience faced by devotees.