Chardham Yatra Pilgrims to Pay Registration Fee This Year
– Dehradun: Devotees participating in the Chardham Yatra, scheduled to begin on April 19, will have to pay a minimum registration fee this year, officials said on Tuesday. The exact amount of the fee is expected to be determined soon.
According to officials, a decision in this regard was taken at the stakeholder meeting held in Rishikesh on Monday, chaired by Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey. The meeting, which was also attended by Garhwal Inspector General of Police Rajeev Swarup, focused on the smooth and safe conduct of the pilgrimage.
Garhwal Commissioner Pandey said that there will be no limit on the number of pilgrims this season, but registration remains mandatory for every traveller.
He said the introduction of the minimum wage aims to prevent fraudulent registration, adding that the registration process will be simplified and made transparent to help pilgrims.
A committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of Additional Garhwal Commissioner Uttam Singh Chauhan to address the practical concerns raised by hotel associations, tour operators and palanquin (dandi-kandi) providers.
Pandey said the registration process will begin within a day or two following the committee’s recommendations. He assured stakeholders that his suggestions will be implemented to enhance the safety and convenience of the yatra.
The pilgrimage will begin with the opening of Gangotri and Yamunotri gates on April 19 on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. The gates of the Kedarnath temple will open on April 22, followed by the Badrinath temple on April 23.
