Even before the advent of monsoon in the State, many shopkeepers in Badrinath had locked their shops due to the dwindling numbers of pilgrims visiting Badrinath since the start of the Char Dham Yatra this year. Now with the rains starting in the State, the remaining traders fear that they will face greater hardships while trying to sustain their businesses.
The monsoon has just reached Uttarakhand, but the arrival of pilgrims at Badrinath had started dwindling even before the advent of rainy season. Businessmen who ply various trades and run shops at Badrinath for the six months the shrine stays open to the public, are disappointed with the low number of pilgrims reaching here.
Nearly, two months after this shrine was opened to the public, members of the business fraternity here are disappointed with owners of many shops, hotels and eateries shutting shop even though the weather at Badrinath is pleasant. The sites which used to be bustling with pilgrims now appear almost deserted while the crowds of pilgrims seen in past years are now missing at the major halts along the route to Badrinath. Those employed in various commercial activities dependent on the six months of Yatra fear hardships with the advent of the rainy season.
They believe that the failure of the State government to ensure timely complete of repair, reconstruction and safety works in disaster affected areas and its inability to convince pilgrims of a safe and convenient pilgrimage is the main reason behind the decrease in number of pilgrims visiting Badrinath so far this year.