leader of the Opposition Ajay Bhatt, who had just returned after visiting Gangotri dham, alleged that most of the claims made by the State Government rung hollow as the ground reality presented a contrary picture to what had been said. Being the principal Opposition party, it was our moral responsibility to ensure that the Char Dham Yatra proved safe for one and all. Having a direct feel of the ground situation, we would like to appeal to the State Government to take corrective measure on the sliding zones.
He further said the State Government had released Rs 6.20 crore to re-jig the Gangotri just 20 days ago. Had the budget been released about three to four months ago things would have been far better, Bhatt said, adding that the State Government kept making flippant claims to cover its blatant failure to put things on the right tracks. Now, we have sent a detailed report to the Chief Minister and appealed to him to make sure that things are done on war footing to make the pilgrimage safe and secure. If things happen this way the pilgrims would return home as brand ambassadors of the state. Otherwise, they will make a severe dent into the potential of our tourism sector, the BJP leader said.