The Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage in India, which began on May 10, includes the sacred sites of Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Yamunotri. However, soon after its commencement, social media was inundated with images of overcrowded roads as thousands of devotees tried to reach Yamunotri. Recent photos also show cold weather conditions in Kedarnath. This year, there has been a notable increase in tourist numbers compared to 2023. By May 24, official records indicated that 967,000 pilgrims had visited the pilgrimage sites since May 10, with Kedarnath alone receiving 424,000 visitors. Despite the enthusiasm, the influx of visitors has brought significant challenges.
Health department data reveals that nearly 60 pilgrims, predominantly over 60 years old, have succumbed to heart attacks during the Yatra thus far. Kedarnath, again, records the highest number of fatalities with 28 deaths. Although this is less than the single-day disaster of 2023, when Kedarnath experienced 23 deaths due to heavy snowfall, the overall rise in fatalities remains alarming. The Char Dham pilgrimage, which draws millions annually, faces severe issues of overcrowding and managing the flow of visitors. Addressing these challenges is crucial.
One of the main issues is the unpredictable arrival patterns of pilgrims, which strain resources. Sachin Kurve, Secretary of Tourism and CEO of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, highlighted this problem, noting that the Char Dham Yatra is open for six months. Many devotees either do not register or visit on dates different from their registered ones, leading to difficulties in accommodating them due to limited facilities.
