The recent finding of human skeletal remains along the Triyuginarayan-Kedarnath trekking route has elicited questions from some segments as to how come these skeletal remains were not sighted or reported earlier during execution of construction and repair works in the Kedarnath region including the facilitation of trekking routes. Meanwhile, two more skeletons were recovered by the search teams on Tuesday, taking to 33.
Officials concerned state that one cannot deny the probability of some skeletal remains being sighted earlier during the construction and other works in the Kedar valley. However, they also stress that geological, geographical, meteorological and other region-specific and human factors had made it nearly impossible for the skeletal remains–believed to be those of the June 2013 disaster victims—and other remains to be spotted casually depending on the terrain and season among other factors.
Considering the uncertainty perceived in the public sphere regarding the precise number of pilgrims and disaster fatalities occurring from the disaster during the peak of the Kedarnath pilgrimage in 2013, one cannot reject the likelihood of similar cases in the future of skeletal and other remains being sighted and even extricated for DNA sampling and ritual cremation while an unknown number may remain hidden longer, probably indefinitely, opined an official on condition of anonymity.
Observers point out that the current finding of skeletal remains of some of the 2013 disaster victims in Kedarnath, may finally pave the way for providing much needed closure for the bereaved family members left without any physical remains to conduct the last rites of the kinfolk they lost in the disaster.
While acknowledging the value of the skeletal findings for the bereaved family members, observers point out that the manner in which the skeletal remains were sighted along the Triyuginarayan-Kedarnath trekking route and the timing of the findings appear to have diverted the general public focus away from some ‘problematic’ political and other issues which had the potential to escalate debate and influence public opinion to the detriment of the ruling party, especially in view of the coming Assembly elections.
It is pertinent to mention here that among the varied cultural, tourism and political activities held recently or currently underway, the recent ‘release’ of a television series stated to be based on Kedarnath by singer Kailash Kher at Kedarnath itself, the considerable amount paid so far to Kher and aspects perceived by many as undesirable commercialisation and distortion or violation of ancient traditions believed to have been maintained unbroken for ages at the pilgrimage centres were not eliciting ‘positive’ publicity for the State Government.