The pilgrimage to Kedarnath and Badrinath shrines will be resumed formally on October 5. This decision was taken in a meeting of the Badarinath and Kedarnath Temple Committee chaired by Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna on Monday.
The Chief Minister said that all the necessary arrangements have been made for the resumption of the pilgrimage. However, pilgrims will be allowed to proceed only after clearing health check which the CM has directed it will be free-of-cost.
The CM informed that arrangements have been made for overnight stay for 100
pilgrims at Kedarnath and 100 people on the route. Persmission to proceed to Kedarnath will be granted in accordance with the number of pilgrims present. The BKTC and district administration will arrange accommodation for pilgrims at Kedarnath and main points on the Yatra route including Bhimbali, lenchauli and other sites.
The temple committee will provide funds to the district administration for expenses incurred on providing these facilities to pilgrims. Apart from a full time doctor in Kedarnath, medical teams will also be present at Bhimbali and lenchauli.
The BSNl network is said to be working normally in Kedarnath and on the Yatra route. Pilgrims will also be able to reach Kedarnath by air from Dehradun and Guptkashi but for this they will need the permission of the Rudraprayag district magistrate.
Those reaching Kedarnath by helicopter will not be permitted to stay there overnight. Bahuguna issued direction for posting an additional Circle Officer at Kedarnath during the Yatra. He said that in absence of license and other documents, compensation for mules will be awarded on the basis of local evidence.