Offline registrations for the revered Char Dham Yatra have started again in the sacred towns of Haridwar and Rishikesh. This comes after a temporary suspension due to issues with congestion and complaints from pilgrims about mismanagement.
source: istock
Improved Arrangements
Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey reassured pilgrims that the arrangements at the offline registration centres in Haridwar and Rishikesh have been improved. He noted that 14.3 lakh devotees have already visited the Char Dham Yatra so far. Additionally, around 25,000 backlog registrations from both centres have been addressed, bringing order to the process.
Possible Increase in Quota
Pandey mentioned the possibility of increasing the registration quota at these centres, depending on crowd dynamics and demand. This move aims to accommodate more pilgrims and manage the large influx more efficiently.
source: istock
Relocation of Registration Centres
To address previous management challenges, the offline registration facility was moved from the district tourism office to the more spacious Rishikul Ground. This change was made to reduce congestion and streamline the registration process, making it more convenient for pilgrims.
Focus on Pilgrim Welfare
DM Haridwar Dheeraj Singh Garbyal emphasized the importance of pilgrim welfare. He shared that medical teams, equipped with ambulances, are stationed at the offline registration centres. These teams conduct thorough medical checkups of pilgrims before they start their journey, ensuring their health and safety throughout the pilgrimage.
Ensuring a Smooth Pilgrimage
The deployment of medical teams and improved registration processes reflect the administration’s commitment to enhancing the pilgrimage experience. These measures aim to address past challenges and create a conducive environment for spiritual fulfilment.
source: istock
Regulating Pilgrim Traffic
Previously, more than 650 pilgrims were denied entry to Badrinath due to a lack of necessary registration. This was part of the authorities’ efforts to regulate pilgrim traffic and prevent the disorder experienced earlier in the yatra season. With the offline registration process now in place, pilgrims can avoid unnecessary hindrances on their journey.