Choppers Fly To Char Dham Shrines Like Auto Rickshaws As 28 Lakh People Visit In 60 Days

As the Covid restrictions are not that strict anymore, pilgrims are making most of it and are visiting shrines they long wished too. Char Dham is one of those where this year people are visiting the most. All the four dhams or shrines have witnessed about 28 lakh visitors in the last 60 days. All the shrines are located on fragile mountain ranges at a height of 10,000 feet. 

Experts Are Concerned Because Of The Sudden Huge Rush at Char Dham

The Char Dham opened up for the visitors from May this year and ever since Badrinath saw about 10,42,963 pilgrims and Kedarnath saw 9,76,514 pilgrims. But this huge turnout at the shrines is the reason of concern for many geologists, experts and glaciologists. The reason is that these hills are in the process of turning into mature mountains and hence expect the least human disturbance. Former senior glaciologist of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, DP Dobhal said that Himalayan mountains actually come under the earthquake zone and being one of the youngest mountains, they cannot sustain constant human disturbance. The experts say that the shrines should have a fixed limit with respect to daily footfall keeping in mind its location on fragile mountains. 

Also Read: Char Dham Pilgrims Must Lose Weight Before Boarding Helicopter Or Pay Extra

Frequent Landing Of Choppers Is Adding To The Issue

Out of the Char Dham, Badrinath and Kedarnath are both situated on moraine which means the trail left behind by a moving glacier. Yamunotri and Gangotri are situated in eco-sensitive zones which are identified by the Union Ministry of environment. This year about 88,0000 pilgrims took choppers to the shrines as per the government data. The constant flying of choppers is sure to damage the ecology of the place. The reason being the generation of heat, solid waste and pollution. They also tend to cause damage to the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary as the choppers take off from there. All these activities are in a way triggering the melting of glaciers. 

Also Read: Planning Kedarnath Darshan? Here Are The Safety Measures To Take