Chief Minister Harish Rawat on Sunday flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara on the eve of its reopening. Rawat also inaugurated the Govindghat-Pulna motor bridge and the police post at Govindghat.
In the past those visiting the laksham temple and Hemkund Sahib had to cover a distance of 19 kilometres from Govindghat on foot but this year a motor road has been opened from Govindghat to Pulna, reducing the walking distance by about three kilometres.
A day ahead of the reopening of Hemkund Sahib, about 3,000 pilgrims left from Govindghat for the Gurudwara on Sunday. Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that the route to lakshman temple and Hemkund Sahib has been made easier which will prevent any inconvenience to the visitors. In case of any emergency during the trip, the government has made all arrangements for helicopter service.
Rawat assured the visitors that there is not reason for them to be anxious, adding that the helicopter service from Govindghat to Ghangharia will begin with the portals of the two shrines reopening to the public on Monday. The CM further said that from next year the pilgrimage to Reetha Sahib and Nanakmatta will also be linked with the Hemkund Yatra. “We are confident that upto eight lakh people will visit the Char Dham shrines before the start of the rainy season. At present more than three lakh people have visited these shrines. Attempts will also be made to conduct the trip to Hemkund Sahib during the winters till Ghangharia,” he said.
Referring to the world heritage site the Valley of Flowers, he said that this heritage will be kept intact. Rawat also inaugurated police post at Govindghat and a bridge on the Govindghat Pulna motor road constructed at a cost of Rs 556.80 lakh. He also unveiled the foundation for a multi-level parking facility at Govindghat. Public representatives and government officials were also among those present on the occasion.