About a week after the portals of Badrinath temple were reopened to the public, the State authorities are yet to ensure redressal of some basic problems affecting both the pilgrims and local traders. One of these issues is that so far the ATMs of various banks in this temple township have not been made operational which is resulting in cash problem for both the local traders and pilgrims from far and wide.
After remaining closed to the public for six months, the portals of Badrinath shrine were opened to the public recently on May 11. However, the authorities appear to maintain an apathetic attitude towards some of the basic facilities which are yet to be made operational in this temple township.
Automated teller machines installed by different banks, are yet to be made operational and open for customers causing much inconvenience to rising number of pilgrims reaching Badrinath. Apart from this, inadequacies in the supply of food grains and drinking water supply have continued to create problems especially for the local residents.
It is pertinent to mention here that prior to the reopening of the Badrinath temple to the public, the administration and departments concerned had talked of facilitating various facilities in this temple township but the scene here presents a picture which contradicts the Governmental claims. Even as necessary works for improving the condition of roads here are yet to be taken, none of the ATMs of different banks have been opened for made operational so far. As a result of this cash problem, pilgrims and visitors are facing problems in making varied purchases here.
This in turn is further fuelling dissatisfaction among the members of the business fraternity with their trade being affected negatively.
Talking to this correspondent, the local Vyapar Mandal president Vinod Nuwani complained that even after a week has passed since Badrinath was reopened to pilgrims, the ATMs of various banks in Badrinath have not been opened and made operational.
In addition to this, there are problems being faced also because of snags in the necessary facilitation of food grains supply and potable water supply in this temple township, he further said.
Observers point out that rounds of official meetings at various levels were held and works were approved even before the start of the Char Dham Yatra this year. The Government officials and others concerned had been claiming that necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a safe and convenient experience for pilgrims and tourists arriving here.
Public representatives and senior officials of the State administration had also made rounds to inspect the condition of facilities here but contrary to official claims, the status of ATMs and other important facilities are yet to be repaired and made operational. Such official apathy and work inefficiency is causing considerable inconvenience to the public at a time when the number of pilgrims reaching Badrinath is steadily rising.