Ahmedabad Times

Gangotri MLA Suresh Singh Chauhan mentioned the Ganga is a hub of spirituality. “The shrine doesn’t entice many non-Hindus, and there has by no means been an try to tarnish its piety. It has been overstated. Nonetheless, the group within the area feels strongly about it; therefore, they’ve launched a purification ceremony. Gaumutra is holy for us, so how will those that don’t respect the cow respect the Ganga?” he mentioned.

Earlier, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee had introduced a ban on non-Hindus coming into the 2 shrines and 45 different temples underneath its administration. Its chairperson had mentioned these wishing to enter must furnish an affidavit affirming religion in “Sanatan”. On the heels of this announcement, Gangotri launched the panchgavya requirement.

Reacting to the brand new norms, Kedarnath MLA Asha Nautiyal mentioned those that “damage the feelings” of Sanatan must be barred. “Those that damage the faith and convey a blot to its revered environment shouldn’t be allowed entry. These locations must be completely for individuals who go to for prayers. This choice will carry the faith to larger heights,” she mentioned. Nautiyal didn’t make clear how authorities would implement such restrictions, particularly when Kedarnath alone noticed a footfall of 17.68 lakh final yr. By November 2025, the tourism division recorded 51 lakh guests throughout all 4 shrines—a rise of 4.35 lakh from the earlier yr.

By the way, Nautiyal had earlier initiated discussions on limiting entry. “I held a gathering with locals, who mentioned non-Hindus have been hurting spiritual sentiments. Individuals from the world over go to to worship Baba Kedar, so such folks must be banned. Native businessmen additionally demanded that this be discouraged,” she mentioned final March, including that each one 4 dhams ought to bar non-Hindus.

In the meantime, the presiding deities of Gangotri and Yamunotri, which spend the winter in Mukhba and Kharsali, have been returned to their shrines on Saturday. The district Justice of the Peace performed a floor inspection of the 5-km trek path to Yamunotri, reviewing works reminiscent of railing repairs, rain shelters, electrical energy, water provide, medical amenities, signboards, sanitation and bogs. An alternate trekking route was additionally assessed to be used throughout emergencies or heavy footfall.

At Jankichatti, officers have been instructed to streamline preparations at horse stands and guarantee a gentle provide of heat water in feeding troughs for horses and mules. The administration additionally directed that pay as you go counters and correct rotation programs for palanquins (dandi-kandi) and pack animals be applied for crowd administration.

Police have intensified surveillance alongside the routes, deploying further personnel and State Catastrophe Response Pressure groups. For visitors administration, 38 bikes, two interceptors, 4 freeway patrol models, two cranes and 6 newly inducted Bullet bikes have been pressed into service. Round 190 CCTV cameras and three drones have been deployed at key places, together with six door-frame metallic detectors and 60 hand-held metallic detectors. ATS fast response groups, bomb disposal squads and personnel from Central Armed Police Forces can even be stationed on the shrines.

Kedarnath Dham will open for the 2026 yatra on April 22, whereas Badrinath will open the subsequent day.