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Uttarakhand to Review Laws on Religious Sites After Gangotri Entry Ban

The Uttarakhand government will review laws concerning ancient religious sites following a decision by the Shri Gangotri Temple Committee to prohibit non-Hindus from entering the Dham. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the views of all stakeholders, including religious organizations and pilgrimage committees, will be considered in this process. The move has drawn criticism from former CM Harish Rawat, who alleged the BJP is inventing new agendas for elections. Temple committee officials indicate similar entry ban proposals may be extended to other major pilgrimage sites in the state.

Key Points: Uttarakhand Reviews Religious Site Laws Amid Gangotri Entry Ban

  • Gangotri Dham bans non-Hindu entry
  • State to review ancient religious site laws
  • CM Dhami promises stakeholder consultation
  • Opposition criticizes move as political agenda
3 min read

Will review laws on ancient religious sites, all stakeholders' views to be considered: CM Dhami over ban on non-Hindus to enter Gangotri Dham

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami says all stakeholders' views will be considered in reviewing laws for ancient religious sites after a ban on non-Hindus at Gangotri.

"We are also reviewing those laws and will proceed based on that. - CM Pushkar Singh Dhami"

Dehradun, January 26

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday said that the state government "will consider the views of all stakeholders" while reviewing laws related to ancient religious sites in the state.

This comes after a decision taken unanimously during a meeting of the Shri Gangotri Temple Committee held on Sunday that non-Hindus will be prohibited from entering Gangotri Dham in Uttarakhand.

Addressing the reporters on the same matter, CM Dhami said, "We have already stated that, since all these religious sites are our ancient places of worship, the people who visit and manage these places, including members of our religious organizations, the pilgrimage committees, the Ganga Sabha, the Kedar Sabha, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, our revered saint community, and everyone else involved in managing these sites, will have their opinions and views considered."

The Chief Minister further added that these holy places hold great historical and religious significance, and "certain laws were enacted regarding them in the past."

"These places hold great historical and religious significance, and certain laws were enacted regarding them in the past. We are also reviewing those laws and will proceed based on that," Dhami added.

Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Harish Rawat criticised the state government alleging that the BJP government had no issues left on their agenda.

"I do not have any comments to make on this because this is the BJP's own agenda. Let them do it...Other religions across the world attract people to their places of worship. They do not prohibit, they attract, so that the greatness and qualities of one's religion can be accepted by other people...Now, a new tradition has been set into motion. Perhaps, there are no issues left on their election agenda. So, new agendas are being invented," Harish Rawat said.

Non-Hindus will be prohibited from entering Gangotri Dham in Uttarakhand after a decision was taken unanimously during a meeting of the Shri Gangotri Temple Committee held on Sunday.

Shri Gangotri Temple Committee Chairman Suresh Semwal stated that, as per the decision, the entry of non-Hindus into the Dham will be strictly prohibited. He added that the ban will also remain in force at Mukhba, the winter residence of the deity.

Meanwhile, Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Chairman Hemant Dwivedi said that a proposal to ban non-Hindus from entering both Dhams and all temples under the Temple Committee will be presented at the upcoming board meeting.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally! Our holy sites need protection. Gangotri is not a tourist spot, it's a place of deep spiritual significance for Hindus. The committee's decision is correct. CM Dhami is right to review the old laws and consult stakeholders.
R
Rohit P
I visited Kedarnath last year. The devotion there is palpable. If other religions have rules for their holy places, why can't we? It's about faith, not politics. But the government must ensure the review is genuine and not just for headlines.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has always been fascinated by Indian culture and spirituality, this news is disappointing. I've dreamed of seeing the source of the Ganga. I hope the "review" considers that respect for a place isn't limited by one's birth religion.
V
Vikram M
Char Dham yatra is a core part of our heritage. The committees managing them have every right to set rules for entry. This is standard practice globally for many religious sites. CM is doing the right thing by following due process and reviewing laws.
K
Kavya N
Mixed feelings. Security and sanctity are important, yes. But India's strength is its inclusivity. Mata Ganga is for everyone. Maybe instead of a ban, there could be stricter guidelines for all visitors on conduct and dress code? Just a thought.
M

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