The Char Dham Yatra is failing to attract tourists this season as the scars of last year’s disaster are yet to heal. The tour operators, Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) and Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) are reporting a steep decline in the bookings of tourists this time.
The Char Dham Yatra which is deeply associated with the sentiments of a devote Hindu was struck by disaster last year when thousands of people lost their lives. The State Government is putting all its resources at its disposal to bring the roads network devastated by disaster in operational worthiness.
Tourists usually make advance bookings of their plans for the Yatra. The BKTC is reporting a steep decline in the on line registrations for the prayers. The spokesperson of BKTC said that it had received only two bookings for Kedarnath and 70 for Badrinath. In normal times 800-1000 people used to offer their prayers daily in these temples. The tour and Taxi operators are also witnessing decline in the advance bookings. Anirudh Garg of Dinisha Tour and Travels told The Pioneer that inquires this year are almost negligible. He added that his company is not taking bookings for Kedarnath and Badrinath as the route is still not clear. A representative of the Garhwal Taxi Services said that his company is yet to take out the tariff plan for this year. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) which offers tour packages and accommodations to the tourists is also witnessing a decline in revenues this time. The General Manager of GMVN P Semwal said that the department has sold tour packages and accommodations worth `70 lakhs till date against `1.13 crore last year on the similar date.