The State Government-run scheme ‘Mere Buzurg Mere Teerth’ envisaged to facilitate free Char Dham Yatra for the senior citizens of the State has failed to enthuse the elderly of the district. Till date, only 416 citizens have availed the much-touted scheme.
It is being run by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN). Buses are used for the pilgrimage and free guide, medical, food and lodging facilities are being provided to the targeted elderly pilgrims. Notably, the scheme ‘Mere Buzurg – Mere Teerth 2015’ was announced by the Chief Minister Harish Rawat for the senior citizens of the state with much fanfare. The State government would bear the expenses in full, he pledged.
Accordingly, the first troop flagged off by the former Haridwar district magistrate HC Semwal consisted of just 32 passengers- 20 females and 10 males. Two female passengers were around 70 and they took one attendant each to help them undertake the pilgrimage, with the State government bearing the expenses.
There are three stoppages- at Pipalkoti, Badrinath and Shrikot- during the state-sponsored pilgrimage.
The real figure of the elderly pilgrims availing the scheme is falling woefully short of the district administration-fixed target. While the target is 4800 for the year the real figure stands at meagre 416. However, putting up a brave front amidst the bleak response, the district administration and tourist department officials claim that things would look up in the coming days.
District tourist development officer Yashpal Chauhan said that as the registration would soon reach 30, the next bus will move on Thursday for Badrinath and the following day for Gangotri from the Hotel Rahi, the starting point. Chauhan added that one can get his/her name enrolled at the district tourist office and sub- divisional magistrate offices of the district. He further said that the scheme will continue as long as char dhams are open.