Uttarakhand Police issues advisory as water levels rise in Bhagirathi River at Gangotri Dham
Uttarkashi, May 30
The Uttarakhand Police on Saturday issued a comprehensive safety advisory for pilgrims following a significant rise in the water level and a surge in the current of the Bhagirathi River at the holy shrine of Gangotri Dham.
Taking to X, "in view of the rising water levels and swift currents at Gangotri Dham, the Uttarakhand Police is continuously raising awareness among devotees. Stay safe, avoid going near the riverbank, and remain only in the designated safe areas. Your safety is our top priority", Uttarakhand police said.
Earlier on April 21, Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya sought an explanation from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) over the absence of first-aid facilities at Yamunotri Dham, directing officials to immediately report on the ground situation and clarify the alleged negligence by the Health Department.
The direction comes amid a sharp increase in pilgrim footfall following the opening of the portals of Yamunotri Dham and Gangotri Dham on Akshaya Tritiya, marking the beginning of the annual Char Dham Yatra.
According to the Uttarkashi district administration, large numbers of devotees from across India and abroad have been arriving at both shrines, creating a deeply devotional atmosphere in the region. Pilgrims were seen participating in darshan in an orderly manner while waiting patiently in queues. The administration reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety, convenience and smooth travel experience of all visitors.
Meanwhile, the palanquin (doli) of Lord Kedarnath arrived at Kedarnath Dham, accompanied by the melodies of a military band ahead of the ceremonial opening of the temple portals on April 22.
The shrine has been decorated with around 51 quintals of flowers, and elaborate lighting arrangements have enhanced the temple premises ahead of the opening ceremony.
There is immense enthusiasm among the devotees who have gathered for the auspicious occasion of the temple's opening. With the portals set to open tomorrow morning, pilgrims are already lining up to collect their tokens for darshan.
Authorities continue to monitor arrangements across the Char Dham route to ensure smooth pilgrimage operations during the ongoing yatra season.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm glad the police are proactive, but it's surprising that first-aid facilities at Yamunotri were missing until just last month. Basic medical support should never be an afterthought, especially with such huge crowds.
The administration's awareness campaign is good, but they need to deploy more rescue teams along the riverbanks. Last year during the yatra, some devotees ignored warnings and got into trouble. Hope this time arrangements are better. Jai Gange 🙏
51 quintals of flowers for Kedarnath! That's an incredible devotion. The doli arrival with military band sounds majestic. Hope the yatra proceeds smoothly without any weather disruptions.
Good advisory, but why wasn't this issued earlier? The portals opened on Akshaya Tritiya, and we're already seeing water levels rise. Also, the district magistrate rightly called out the CMO - health negligence in such sensitive areas is unacceptable.
Beautiful to see the devotion and enthusiasm. I visited Gangotri last year - the atmosphere is truly special. Just hope the authorities maintain crowd control and safety measures as mentioned. A little more transparency on weather updates would help pilgrims plan better.
It's heartening to see the police and administration taking proactive steps. The queue system for darshan is working
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