Pilgrims Death During Char Dham Yatra 2024 | 12 Nov 2024
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:
- Although the State mandated health check-ups for pilgrims this year, the high fatality rate has raised concerns.
- Think tanks like NITI Aayog have repeatedly called for sustainable tourism practices in the Indian Himalayan region, urging the State to align with these standards.
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.