As many as 275 pilgrims visited Kedarnath since resumption of the yatra to the Himalayan shrine on October 5 after its closure following June 16-17 disaster, a senior official said on Saturday.
Most of the pilgrims are reluctant to proceed the yatra due the fear of Cyclone Phailin. However, Rudraprayag DM Dilip Jawalkar ruled out any impact of Phailin in Kedar valley as weather was pleasant on Saturday.
Jawalkar said that the higher reaches of the mountains surrounding the revered shrine have covered with snow and the lower areas are receiving intermittent rains. However, the growing chill has failed to deter devotees who continue to visit the shrine every day though in small numbers, he added.
Passes were issued to twenty two pilgrims on Saturday. With this, 275 pilgrims have visited so far since Yatra was resumed on October 5.
The Rudraprayag DM expressed said that yatra will continue till November 5.
Jawalkar denied the report that number of pilgrims visiting the temple was restricted to avoid overburdening the newly-repaired roads leading to the shrine. The State Government had drawn much flak for not registering pilgrims visiting the shrine as it had led to a lot of confusion regarding the number of people killed in the tragedy and those gone missing.
Proper arrangements for food and lodging of devotees have also been made at Bhimbali and limchauli along the trek route. The officials have made arrangement of accommodation for 350 pilgrims including 125 in Kedarnath, 110 in Gaurikund, 80 in lincholi and 35 in Bhimbali.