The pilgrimage to Hemkund Sahib will resume some days after the resumption of the Char Dham Yatra next month. However, due to ongoing construction of the road from Govindghat to Pulna village, the condition of the bridle path to Hemkund has become such that it is difficult to walk on it. If the condition of this path remains unchanged, the pilgrims walking to Hemkund will face hardships while undertaking their pilgrimage.
The pilgrimage to Hemkund Sahib in Chamoli district is slated to resume on May 25. Due to the June 2013 disaster some pilgrim shelters and the route were washed away at Govindghat which is the main stop on this pilgrimage. The work of repairing the damage wreaked by the disaster last year is yet to be completed. The suspension bridge spanning the Alaknanda to link Govindghat with Hemkund was also destroyed last year. Following the disaster, a temporary bridge has been erected here. The pilgrims will be using this temporary bridge to reach Hemkund while another temporary metal bridge has been set up for mules and horses carrying pilgrims.
At present the road from Govindghat to Pulna village is also under construction. This work has affected the condition of the bridle path to Hemkund. Observers question whether the authorities will be able to improve the condition of this route in about a month after having failed to do so in about 10 months following the disaster last year.
The locals point out that the Government machinery is also busy in the lok Sabha elections 2014 due to which might further affect the pace of repair works. The administrative machinery which generally monitors the pilgrimage arrangements is also busy in the election preparations. Facilities like potable water supply, toilets and power supply are yet to be ensured on this route. Considering the incomplete works it remains to be seen whether necessary facilities will be provided on time.