Over 40 lakh devotees go to Char Dham; 201 health-related deaths reported: Officers
The continued Char Dham Yatra has crossed the 4 million pilgrim mark this season, with greater than 40 lakh devotees visiting the Himalayan shrines up to now, even because the variety of deaths linked to health-related illnesses through the pilgrimage has risen to 201, in response to official knowledge.
Based on knowledge compiled by the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), a complete of 4,003,158 pilgrims had visited the Char Dham shrines and related pilgrimage locations until June 25.
Officers mentioned that on Wednesday alone, 37,617 pilgrims safely reached the 4 shrines. Badrinath Dham recorded the best single-day footfall with 17,332 devotees, adopted by Kedarnath Dham with 8,618 arrivals. Gangotri Dham obtained 3,674 pilgrims, whereas 3,098 devotees visited Yamunotri Dham regardless of occasional weather-related disruptions within the hill districts.
In the meantime, the info exhibits that the variety of deaths attributed to health-related illnesses through the yatra has reached 201 up to now (67 days, April 19–June 25). Of those, 94 deaths had been reported in Kedarnath Dham, 63 in Badrinath Dham, 26 in Yamunotri Dham and 18 in Gangotri Dham. Final yr, the variety of deaths attributed to health-related illnesses through the first 67 days (April 30–July 6) was 142. Of those, 68 deaths had been reported in Kedarnath Dham, 40 in Badrinath Dham, 18 in Yamunotri Dham and 16 in Gangotri Dham.
Kedarnath Dham has emerged as probably the most visited shrine this season, recording a cumulative footfall of 1,321,067 pilgrims. Badrinath Dham adopted intently with 1,285,167 guests. Gangotri Dham and Yamunotri Dham registered 650,294 and 609,382 pilgrims, respectively.
Suresh Semwal, Secretary, Shri Panch Gangotri Temple Committee, mentioned that though the variety of pilgrims arriving at Gangotri had declined in comparison with earlier within the week, the move of devotees remained regular.
“At present, round 3,000 to 4,000 pilgrims are visiting the shrine every day. The pilgrimage has remained clean this season because of higher administrative administration,” he mentioned.
Officers mentioned the Uttarakhand authorities has carried out an in depth healthcare plan for the yatra. A complete of 414 paramedical personnel, 178 medical officers and 25 specialist docs have been deployed alongside the pilgrimage route.
The 47 everlasting healthcare services situated throughout the Char Dham districts of Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Uttarkashi have been strengthened and upgraded, whereas 25 Medical Reduction Posts have been made absolutely operational alongside the route.
Medical help has additionally been organized at key halt factors and necessary places to make sure that pilgrims obtain well timed remedy in case of sickness or emergencies.
To establish well being dangers earlier than pilgrims proceed to increased altitudes, the federal government has established 57 well being screening kiosks throughout Dehradun, Haridwar, Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Uttarkashi districts. At these kiosks, pilgrims are being screened for situations corresponding to hypertension, coronary heart illness and diabetes.
For emergency response, 177 ambulances have been stationed alongside the yatra route. Helicopter rescue companies have been streamlined in coordination with the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Growth Authority (UCADA), whereas heli-ambulance companies are being operated by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh.
Officers mentioned well being advisories have been ready in 13 languages for pilgrims arriving from completely different elements of the nation. Informational signboards carrying “Do’s and Don’ts” have been put in at necessary places, whereas consciousness pamphlets are additionally being distributed.
The Char Dham Yatra formally commenced this yr with the opening of Yamunotri Dham and Gangotri Dham on April 19, adopted by Kedarnath Dham on April 22 and Badrinath Dham on April 24.
Officers mentioned that final yr, greater than 5.1 million registrations had been recorded for the Char Dham Yatra, and the quantity is predicted to extend additional this yr. In 2024, round 4.8 million pilgrims visited the Char Dham shrines and Hemkund Sahib, whereas in 2023, the pilgrimage broke all earlier data, with the pilgrim inflow crossing the 5.6 million mark, in response to tourism division officers.
