The portals of lokpal shrine (lakshman temple) and Hemkund Sahib are slated to reopen on June 1. The district administration has started preparing for the pilgrimage. In view of the heavy snowfall experienced in the areas above Ghangharia, the army jawans are working to clear the route of snow. However, the weather in this high Himalayan region which is prone to change frequently is making the army’s task more difficult at times.
The lokpal temple of lakshman and Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara are still surrounded by snow. According to officials, only about a two-kilometre stretch of the route to these shrines remains to be cleared of snow. Meanwhile, villagers in the area are not satisfied with the slow pace of work execution by the Public Works Department and the Water Department. The Power Department team is already working to restore the power supply in the area.
The damage wreaked by the June 2013 disaster in this area had exerted a major impact on the business of the locals. However, this year, those involved in various businesses related to the pilgrimage are hopeful that more pilgrims will be arriving this time than last year. Already, the movement of people upto Ghangharia has started with locals running hotels and eateries. However, inconvenience is still being faced due to the regular water supply not being restored here.
The administration officials point out that instructions have been issued to departments concerned to restore all necessary facilities on time.