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Uttarakhand

Pilgrims Death During Char Dham Yatra 2024

  • 12 Nov 2024
  • 3 min read

Why in News?

In 2024, the 192-day Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, encompassing the high-altitude shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, saw the unfortunate loss of 246 pilgrims due to health-related complications.

Key Points

  • As per Uttarakhand government data, over 47,03,905 pilgrims participated in the Char Dham Yatra, which started on 10th May 2024 and is scheduled to conclude on 17th November 2024.
    • Deaths exceeded 230 in 2023, while in 2022, the count was over 300.
  • Helicopter Travel and Health Risks:
    • A high death rate was noted among pilgrims using helicopters to reach the Kedarnath shrine. Rapid ascent to high altitudes (about 3,000 meters) without acclimatization increases health risks.
    • Oxygen depletion at all Char Dham shrines can lead to altitude sickness, which can become fatal if not managed promptly.
    • Issues such as inadequate accommodation, trail congestion, extreme and shifting weather conditions, and insufficient health screenings.
  • Economic Impact of the Char Dham Yatra:
    • The yatra generates approximately Rs 7,500 crore annually, a significant portion of Uttarakhand’s economy.
    • The yatra provides direct and indirect employment to over 10 lakh people, including hotel staff, guides, taxi drivers, priests, mule operators, porters, and others in the tourism and handicraft sectors.
  • Criticism and Concerns:

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.
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