The required number of veterinarians has not been posted along the Char Dham Yatra route even though mules and horses play an important role not only in transporting pilgrims but also in carrying ration and other supplies in the rural mountainous regions. The State PFA has complained to the State Animal Husbandry Minister Pritam Singh Panwar about the situation and requested that two medical camps for equines be established on each Yatra route.
In a letter to Panwar, PFA Uttarakhand stated that no action has been taken for establishing medical camps and posts for equines on the Yatra route inspite of a Government order being issued by the Secretary, Animal Husbandry in 2012 to this effect. Generally, about 20,000 mules are used to ferry pilgrims, though, this year the number of mules is about 7,000. There are five department vets in Rudraprayag district where the Kedarnath shrine is located but none is posted on the Yatra route. Seeking that each of the department vet be posted along the Yatra route for at least one month, the PFA has also requested the Minister to ensure the implementation of the 2012 GO.