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Kedarnath Dham Blanketed in 4 Feet of Snow, Security Forces on High Alert

Continuous heavy snowfall has covered the Kedarnath Dham temple and surrounding valley in a thick layer of snow up to four feet deep. Security forces from the Uttarakhand Police and ITBP remain on high alert, conducting patrols despite the extreme conditions. The state government is pushing major tourism infrastructure projects, including two large ropeways to Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib to ease pilgrim travel. Additionally, initiatives like winter pilgrimage and temple circuit development aim to boost year-round spiritual tourism in the region.

Key Points: Heavy Snowfall Covers Kedarnath, Ropeway Projects Announced

  • Kedarnath under 3-4 feet of snow
  • Police & ITBP maintain security in sub-zero temps
  • New ropeways to Kedarnath & Hemkund Sahib planned
  • Winter pilgrimage initiative launched to boost tourism
2 min read

Heavy snowfall blankets Kedarnath Dham under 3-4 feet of thick snow

Kedarnath Dham is under 3-4 feet of snow. Security forces maintain vigil as Uttarakhand announces major ropeway projects to boost pilgrimage tourism.

Heavy snowfall blankets Kedarnath Dham under 3-4 feet of thick snow
"Even in such extreme conditions, the jawans continue regular patrols to ensure the sanctity and safety of the shrine - Kedarnath Temple Committee"

Kedarnath, March 22

Continuous heavy snowfall has blanketed Kedarnath Dham under a thick layer of snow measuring nearly three to four feet, covering the entire township and surrounding areas in white.

According to the Kedarnath Temple Committee, at the world-renowned eleventh Jyotirlinga, Kedarnath Temple, and the entire Kedar Valley have been enveloped in a shimmering layer of snow, creating a truly divine and mesmerising scene.

Despite sub-zero temperatures and harsh weather conditions, personnel from the Uttarakhand Police and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) remain fully alert, maintaining a strong security presence in the region.

"Even in such extreme conditions, the jawans continue regular patrols to ensure the sanctity and safety of the shrine," the Temple Committee said.

The security forces have established a robust and impenetrable security cover amid the ongoing snowfall.

At the same time, the security personnel are clearing the accumulated snow around the barracks and living areas on their own, demonstrating self-reliance and discipline to ensure that their operations continue without disruption.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand has been witnessing significant developments in its tourism sector, with the government focusing on promoting a blend of spiritual and adventure tourism while expanding infrastructure to strengthen its global appeal.

To make pilgrimages smoother and safer, large-scale ropeway projects have been initiated. A 12.9-km ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath Dham will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 4,081 crore. Similarly, a 12.4-km ropeway from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib is planned at a cost of Rs 2,730 crore, according to a state government release.

Once completed, these projects are expected to significantly reduce travel time and physical strain for devotees.

In a major push to boost year-round tourism, winter pilgrimage has been introduced in the state. To promote this initiative, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier visited Mukhwa, the winter abode of Goddess Ganga.

In the Kumaon region, under the Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission, 48 temples are being developed into a religious circuit, providing a further boost to spiritual tourism.

Rapid development work is also underway in Kedarnath and Badrinath under their respective master plans. Badrinath Dham is being developed into a smart spiritual hill town with projects worth Rs 255 crore.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the development projects are good, I hope they are done with proper environmental impact studies. The Himalayas are fragile. We must ensure that in our rush for infrastructure and tourism, we don't harm the very nature that makes these places divine.
A
Aman W
Salute to the security forces! Standing guard at sub-zero temperatures is no joke. The article rightly calls it self-reliance. These are the real heroes, often unsung. Hope they have proper winter gear and facilities.
S
Sarah B
The blend of spiritual and adventure tourism is a smart move. As a foreign traveler, the idea of visiting ancient temples in such a stunning, snow-covered landscape is incredibly appealing. The ropeways will make it more accessible for international tourists too.
V
Vikram M
The cost of these ropeway projects is staggering—over Rs 4,000 crore for one! While better connectivity is needed, I hope there is transparency and the funds are used efficiently. The public deserves to know the detailed cost breakdown and timelines.
K
Kavya N
My grandparents have always wanted to visit Kedarnath but couldn't due to the difficult trek. The new infrastructure gives me hope that I can take them there soon. Developing Badrinath as a 'smart spiritual town' sounds interesting if it preserves the traditional vibe.
N
Nikh

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