This year’s Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand—covering the sacred shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—has commenced with a remarkable uptick in pilgrim footfall since its start on April 30. The Uttarakhand government has gone the extra mile to ensure that spiritual seekers not only find solace in the Himalayas but also experience a safe, seamless, and eco-conscious pilgrimage. Secretary Tourism, Sachin Kurve, has been actively monitoring the ground-level arrangements and guiding officials for a smooth execution of this large-scale spiritual endeavor.
To streamline pilgrim flow and reduce logistical bottlenecks, the state has introduced a Hybrid Registration Model, offering both online and on-the-spot options. Devotees can register via registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in, the Tourist Care mobile app, or even through WhatsApp at 8394833833. For those arriving without prior registration, dedicated counters have been set up at major entry points like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Vikas Nagar in Dehradun.
In a pioneering step toward environmental responsibility, the government has launched the Green Chardham Yatra initiative. This campaign includes measures like reducing single-use plastic, waste collection drives, and eco-friendly management of the yatra route. Health infrastructure has also seen a significant boost—new hospitals have been established at Kedarnath and Badrinath, with over 150 ambulances and specialized doctors deployed. Helicopter ambulances operated by AIIMS Rishikesh ensure that medical emergencies are swiftly attended to in the remote terrain.
For those unable to trek the arduous 16 kilometers to Kedarnath, helicopter services are being provided to ease the journey, especially benefiting elderly pilgrims and those with health conditions. Secretary Kurve also cautioned pilgrims against misinformation circulating on social media regarding the temporary closure of the Yatra, assuring that all operations are running smoothly under the state’s vigilant supervision.
