The Yatra to Hemkund Sahib has been restarted by the State Government three months after it was discontinued due to the June disaster. However, the number of pilgrims reaching this shrine is still limited contrary to the picture being presented by the authorities.
It will be recalled that the Yatra to Hemkund was flagged off post-disaster by the Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna from Govindghat on September 21. In the first batch about 350 visitors left for Hemkund but after that the number of pilgrims arriving here has been decreasing. After its resumption this pilgrimage will continue for 20 days as the portals of the lakshman temple and Hemkund will be closed to the public on October 10 for the winters.
Due to the disaster experienced in June, the route to Hemkund is still damaged on various places. This is posing hardships for the pilgrims taking the trip to Hemkund especially with light rain in the lower altitudes and snowfall in the higher reaches.
Facing the cold and difficult conditions, people are reaching Hemkund, fuelled by their faith though the Government has not made all necessary arrangements. Only a few shops are open en route to Hemkund with some shops and lodges open at Govind Dham. Those going to Hemkund are spending the night at Joshimath.