Uttarakhand

• 12 Nov 2024

Pilgrims Death During Char Dham Yatra 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 10^th May 2024 and is scheduled to conclude on 17^th 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.