Char Dham Yatra Hits Record 60 Lakh Pilgrims; CM Dhami Vows Drug-Free State
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami announces a record 60 lakh pilgrims for Char Dham Yatra and outlines plans for a drug-free state.
Uttarakhand has witnessed an unprecedented surge in spiritual tourism this year, with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announcing that the Char Dham Yatra pilgrims count has reached a staggering 60 lakh. This milestone surpasses all previous records, marking a significant recovery and growth for the state's most sacred pilgrimage circuit.
A New Milestone for Spiritual Tourism
Speaking on Friday, CM Dhami revealed that the pilgrimage has seen massive footfall across both the initial phase and the current phase following the monsoon season. He emphasized that the influx of devotees from every corner of the country has set a new benchmark for the state.
The Chief Minister specifically noted the revival of Kedarnath, stating that the number of visitors has seen a substantial increase since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit. This is particularly significant given the sharp decline in numbers that followed previous disasters in the region.
Infrastructure and Future Planning
To sustain this growth and improve the experience for devotees, the state government is focusing on several key developments:
- Badrinath Dham Master Plan: Work is progressing rapidly on a comprehensive master plan to upgrade the facilities at Badrinath.
- Pilgrim Facilities: Despite the inherent challenges of the mountainous terrain, the government is continuously working to enhance amenities for those undertaking the journey.
- Kumbh Mela Preparations: With the Char Dham success, the state is now shifting focus toward preparations for the upcoming Kumbh Mela.
Mission for a Drug-Free Uttarakhand
Beyond the success of the pilgrimage, Chief Minister Dhami used the occasion to reiterate his administration's commitment to eradicating substance abuse from the hills. Aligning with the national vision set by Prime Minister Modi to rescue the youth from the grip of addiction, the state has pledged to become a "drug-free state."
The CM detailed a multi-pronged strategy to achieve this goal, which includes:
- Stringent Law Enforcement: Taking tough action against drug peddlers to break the supply chain.
- Public Awareness: Launching extensive campaigns to educate the youth and the general public about the dangers of substance abuse.
- Community Participation: Collaborating with voluntary organizations to foster a supportive environment for recovery.
Highlighting the community's involvement, Dhami mentioned that several voluntary organizations recently organized a "run" to show their support for the mission of a drug-free Uttarakhand, signaling a collective societal push against narcotics.