Keep 'Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra' out of model code: Uttarakhand deputy speaker

With only four months left for the Nanda Devi Raj Jat yatra to begin, Uttarakhand Assembly Deputy Speaker Anusuya Prasad Maikhuri on Tuesday, asked the Election Commission to keep preparations for the pilgrimage out of the purview of the model code of conduct.

"So much is yet to be done on Nandadevi yatra route damaged in last year's calamity. But this is not possible with the model code of conduct in force. As the yatra is scheduled to begin on August 18, we request the EC to keep preparations for the yatra out of the ambit of the model code," said Maikhuri, who represents Karnaprayag seat in the state assembly.

Undertaken every twelve years, the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra passes through difficult hilly terrain in Chamoli, Pithoragarh and Almora districts of Uttarakhand.

Maikhuri said the state government has already released Rs 1.5 crore for the preparations but work is not picking due to the model code of conduct in force. "We request the EC to keep preparations for the yatra out of the ambit of the model code to impart the much needed momentum to road repair work on the yatra route," he said.