Char Dham Yatra: Preparations are in full swing for the annual Char Dham yatra that will commence on april 30. Over 2.1 million online registrations have already been completed for the yatra in Uttarakhand.
A total of 24,729 international pilgrims have also registered, with the highest number of people coming from the United States, Nepal, and Malaysia. Seventy-seven pilgrims from pakistan had also registered for the yatra.
It has become difficult for the 77 Hindu pilgrims from pakistan, who had registered for the Char Dham yatra, to travel to india, as the central government has decided not to issue visas to people coming from pakistan due to security concerns after the pahalgam terror attack.
Tighter Screening and Verification of Pilgrims
Uttarakhand Tourism minister Satpal Maharaj said the safety of pilgrims during the Char Dham yatra is the government’s highest priority.
"The central government has issued clear instructions that, considering the current circumstances, visas should not be granted to individuals coming from Pakistan. Furthermore, Pakistani nationals currently residing in india have been strictly instructed to leave the country," he said.
While the suspension of registrations for Pakistani nationals is affecting religious sentiments, the move is also seen as necessary for security reasons. Following this decision, the screening and verification process for all international pilgrims coming for the Char Dham yatra has been made even stricter.
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Meanwhile, the state administration has identified three halting areas for the pilgrims. CCTV cameras have been installed at various locations, and drones will be used for traffic management to ensure smooth movement.
Haridwar SSP Pramod Doval said, "Our priority is to ensure no devotee faces inconvenience. The area has been divided into zones and sectors with extensive police deployment. Additionally, five tourist police centers are being established to assist pilgrims."
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