The sacred portals of Badrinath Dham have opened, initiating the journey to all four revered shrines in Uttarakhand—Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. On the first day itself, Kedarnath witnessed a record-breaking influx of 32,000 devotees. Amidst this, an overwhelming number of pilgrims were seen heading towards Yamunotri.
A video showcasing the overflowing crowd on the mountain pathways of Yamunotri went viral on social media, subsequently raising questions about the state government's preparedness. However, the police administration clarified on Saturday that the situation is now under control and the crowd has dispersed.
Amidst these reports, Uttarkashi Police made a public statement on Sunday morning, urging, 'Enough pilgrims have arrived at the Yamunotri Dham according to its capacity. Dispatching more pilgrims now would be risky. Those planning to visit Yamunotri today should kindly postpone their journey.'
Source: aajtak
The release of the video prompted concerns for the safety of devotees and questioned the administration's arrangements. The video shows pilgrims unable to move forward or retreat, with some risking climbs on dangerous slopes. Porters and palanquin-bearers also appear trapped in the crowd. The video spread rapidly on social media, with calls for the government to manage and control the situation effectively.
In response to the viral video, the administration sprang into action, providing assurances from the government. Speaking to 'Aaj Tak' over the telephone, Uttarkashi Police Superintendent Arpan Yaduvanshi clarified that the viral video was shot around 5 PM on Friday, between Janki Chatti and the Yamunotri Dham pedestrian path.
He explained that the crowding was confined to a 200-metre stretch, with a large number of devotees heading towards Yamunotri Dham amidst heavy rainfall causing the chaos. The gathered crowd was simply seeking shelter from the rain, as shown in the video, leading to the disorder.
The police reassured that the situation throughout the area had been quickly brought under control, with no reported injuries. A video shot around 2:30 PM today showed pilgrims trekking on the mountain paths as the area experienced light rain. The police confirmed that the situation is currently normal, and the pilgrimage to Yamunotri Dham is proceeding smoothly.
