The Uttarakhand Space Application Centre (USAC) in collaboration with the Public Works Department has proposed three alternative routes to Kedarnath, including one motor road from Phata to Kedarnath.
The proposal for these routes along with their pros and cons will be submitted to the State government on Tuesday. The 14-km bridle route from Gaurikund to Kedarnath was devastated following heavy rains, flood and landslides since June 16-17 so the alternatives routes proposed by USAC have been considered, taking in view different aspects like vulnerability to landslides, flood and the convenience and safety of both pilgrims and locals.
According to the USAC director Dr MM Kimothi, the centre worked in collaboration with the PWD to chalk out at least three possible routes including one motor road to Kedarnath. “Using satellite mapping and ground survey, we have come up with at least three possible alternatives for reaching Kedarnath by land. We have considered factors including sensitivity from the view point of landslides, elevation and availability of water while drafting these routes,” said Dr Kimothi.
“A motor route from Phata to Kedarnath about 20 kms long has also been proposed by us not only from the view point of providing a road less susceptible to landslides but also to boost eco-tourism and employment opportunities for locals. The construction of a motor road to Kedarnath would also involve tunneling. In these proposals we have also incorporated the suggestions of the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering and used the digital elevation model based on Global Positioning System. On Tuesday, we plan to submit our proposals with all pros and cons for each option to the State Government,” he added.
The routes proposed by USAC take a different route than the earlier bridle path from Gaurikund to Kedarnath with special focus being laid on sensitivity of the paths to disasters like landslides. The alternative routes would be a couple of kilometres longer or shorter but are expected to be safer than the path destroyed last month.