NGT to Uttarakhand: Disclose Carrying Capacity Responsibility

• 07 Aug 2024

Why in News?

The National Green Tribunal asked the Uttarakhand's environment department to disclose responsibility in case of an accident as there is no carrying capacity restricting the number of pilgrims across Char Dham in Uttarakhand.

Key Points

• According to the tribunal, there is no carrying capacity fixed even on an ad-hoc basis for the pilgrims on the tracks of Shri Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, and there is no restriction in respect of the number of pilgrims on those tracks.
  • According to the state government's counsel, one year would be required to get a report about the carrying capacity at the four pilgrimage sites.
  • As per NGT, the unregulated number of pilgrims could result in a mishap and someone must take its responsibility.

Char Dham Yatra

• Yamunotri Dham:
  • Location: Uttarkashi district.
  • Dedicated to: Goddess Yamuna.
  • River Yamuna is the second-most sacred river in India after River Ganga.
• Gangotri Dham:
  • Location: Uttarkashi district.
  • Dedicated to: Goddess Ganga.
  • Considered the most sacred of all Indian rivers.
• Kedarnath Dham:
  • Location: Rudraprayag district.
  • Dedicated to: Lord Shiva.
  • Situated on the bank of the Mandakini River.
  • One of the 12 Jyotirlingas (divine representations of Lord Shiva) in India.
• Badrinath Dham:
  • Location: Chamoli district.
  • Home to the sacred Badrinarayan Temple.
  • Dedicated to: Lord Vishnu.
  • One of the holy shrines for Vaishnavites.