Work is on in full swing to complete the various reconstruction and development works in Kedarnath. Various departments and agencies are working on the flood protection walls along Saraswati and Mandakini rivers, along with various other works in and around Kedarnath. Once complete, these works will facilitate a much more convenient and secure experience for those arriving here. In the future, the authorities also plan more works to further enhance the spiritual experience of the pilgrims.
While pilgrims arriving in Kedarnath are appreciating the effects of regularised helicopter service, the widened path to the shrine, decongested surroundings and improved boarding and lodging facilities, the various departments and agencies concerned are working on other features of the reconstruction and development works in the temple township.
Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to Kedarnath on October 7 still remains tentative, work is on in full swing to complete works being undertaken by the Public Works Department, Irrigation Department, Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) and the Jindal Steel Works (JSW) here. PWD assistant engineer Deep Chand Nawani informed that work is almost complete on the nearly four kilometre paved path from Kedarnath to Garudchatti. There is also a plan for reviving the old route from Rambada to Garudchatti which is about eight kilometres long. The initial survey has been done and approval has been granted for the work though the geological survey and finalisation of the alignment is pending.
Similarly, the Irrigation department assistant engineer, Dhiraj Dimri informed that work on the 380 metre long and seven metre high flood safety wall along the Mandakini river is nearly complete.
A path, solar lighting, benches and railings are to be constructed along this wall. The deadline for completing this work is October 30. Further, about 7,000 square metre area of land has been reclaimed due to the construction of this flood safety wall along the Mandakini river. The NIM too has completed about 40 per cent of its work including construction of the 390 metre long flood safety wall and ghat along the Saraswati river.
The widened pathway to the shrine with a clear view of the Kedarnath temple from near the confluence of the Mandakini and Saraswati rivers is being appreciated by the pilgrims arriving here especially by those who had also visited the shrine in the past when these developments had not taken place.
The condition of the bridle path to Kedarnath too has been improved and being regularly monitored. Arriving to Kedarnath has become more convenient and secure for those taking the bridle path and those arriving by helicopter. If the works continue at the current pace, the experience of undertaking a pilgrimage to Kedarnath could be improved further and made more convenient and secure by next year.