Char Dham Yatra is the most auspicious yatra that Indians undertake to visit the four holy sites. This year. the yatra began on May 3 after two years of the pandemic. The yatra comprises pilgrimage to Yamunotri and Gangotri in Uttarkashi, Kedarnath in Rudraprayag and Badrinath in Chamoli districts — all located in the mountainous terrain of Garhwal Himalayas.
Mandatory Health Screening For The Pilgrims
After the death toll during the Char Dham Yatra crossed 101, the authorities have made it mandatory for pilgrims over the age of 50 years to undergo a medical check-up. The medical check-up will determine if the pilgrims are strong enough to withhold the extreme cold conditions and continue their journey to Char Dham. The ones, who are diagnosed with improper health, are asked to go home or pursue the Char Dham Yatra some other time.
The Pilgrims who are not willing to comply with the medical advice are asked to give an undertaking and then continue with the journey.
Also Read – IRCTC Launches 12-Day Char Dham Yatra Tour Covering Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri And Gangotri
Why The Increase In The Number Of Pilgrims’ Death?
According to reports, deaths are majorly taking place due to cardiac arrests and other health-related ailments. Some pilgrims do not come with the proper heavy clothing required for the yatra as they are unable to determine the extreme cold conditions. The adverse climatic change takes a toll on their health leading to fatal deaths.
The medical screening is being conducted at three places – Barkot, Jan Ki Chatti and at Yamunotri shrine.
Tourism Officials also believe that the approach to travelling by certain pilgrims has also led to them being unable to adjust themselves to the extreme climatic change.
According to Uttarkhand’s health department, 101 pilgrims have died during the course of the yatra, including 49 in Kedarnath Dham, 20 in Badrinath Dham, 7 in Gangotri Dham and 25 in Yamunotri Dham. Of these, one each died in Kedarnath and Badrinath.
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