Char Dham Yatra sees record-breaking pilgrim footfall
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami announces massive success in the first phase of Char Dham Yatra with record numbers at Badrinath and Gangotri.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has hailed the first phase of the Char Dham Yatra as a massive success, noting that the pilgrimage is witnessing unprecedented numbers this year. As the second phase kicks off, a massive influx of devotees continues to arrive at the sacred shrines across the state.
Record-breaking numbers at holy shrines
The current pilgrimage season is setting new benchmarks for the state. According to data released by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the footfall at several major shrines has reached historic highs. The spiritual journey has seen a significant surge compared to the same period last year.
Key statistics from this pilgrimage season include:
- Badrinath Dham: 18.10 lakh pilgrims visited.
- Gangotri Dham: A record 8.41 lakh devotees.
- Kedarnath Dham: 15.57 lakh pilgrims.
- Yamunotri Dham: Over 7.5 lakh devotees.
- Hemkund Sahib: 3,52,765 visitors, marking the highest in several years.
In total, the four Char Dham shrines have welcomed 53,23,401 pilgrims so far this season. This is a substantial increase over the approximately 46 lakh pilgrims recorded during the corresponding period last year.
Safety and disaster management on high alert
With nearly one and a half months of the yatra season still ahead, Chief Minister Dhami has emphasized that the safety of devotees remains the government's highest priority. To manage the massive crowds and potential environmental challenges, the state has implemented rigorous monitoring protocols.
The Disaster Management Department has been placed on 24-hour alert across critical districts, including Rudraprayag, Chamoli, and Uttarkashi. This proactive stance is designed to ensure that the pilgrimage remains smooth, well-organized, and, most importantly, safe for all travelers.
Continuous monitoring by state officials
The state government has deployed senior officials at both state and district levels to conduct continuous reviews of the arrangements. Under the direct guidance of CM Dhami, these officials are monitoring the situation in real-time to address any logistical or safety concerns immediately. The government expects the number of devotees to rise even further as the season progresses.