To boost tourism and pilgrimage on track in Uttarakhand after the devastating time of the covid-19 pandemic, the Uttarakhand cabinet has approved to begin of Chardham Yatra from July 1.
Last year also amid the covid-19 first wave, the government started the Chardham Yatra with many restrictive measures on July 1, 2020. Now as the drop in daily cases of covid-19 reported in the nation as well as in Uttrakhand, the state government has decided to start Chardham Yatra for the people of Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Uttarkashi districts.
Standard Operating Method (SOP) for same will be issued soon by the state Tourism Department, five days are left to make arrangements for passenger facilities in Chardham.
Like last year, this time too, arrangements and covid rules will be applicable to prevent covid infection. The number of pilgrims visiting the Chardhams daily will be limited to reduce the overcrowding. In which 1200 people in Badrinath Dham, 800 in Kedarnath, 600 in Gangotri, and 400 in Yamunotri Dham can be allowed by the Devasthanam Board.
Devasthanam Board Chief Executive Officer and Garhwal Commissioner Ravinath Raman have approved the Chardham Yatra from the cabinet. In view of the covid infection, travel will be in limited numbers. Arrangements are being finalized for the facilities of the passengers in the Chardham through the concerned departments.
People of Chamoli district will be able to visit Badrinath, people of Rudraprayag district able to visit Kedarnath, and people of Uttarkashi district able to visit Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham with negative RT-PCR/Rapid Antigen test report which will be mandatory for every pilgrim, whereas from July 11, people of the entire state will be allowed to go on conditional travel.
If the situation of Covid-19 remains normal, the government can open the route for passengers from other states.
