Char Dham Yatra 2021: Pilgrims need to carry negative RT-PCR report - check other details

The Char Dham Yatra is scheduled to begin on May 3 this year and the Uttarakhand government has issued COVID advisories for pilgrims taking part in the religious Yatra.

The state government has made it mandatory for pilgrims to carry a negative RT-PCR report.    

The Yatra is managed by the Char Dham Devsthanam Board, whose chairman, Ravinath Raman has said that the situation is being evaluated and standard operating protocol (SOP) will be out soon.

"The standard operating procedure for Char Dham Yatra will be issued soon and we have decided to keep it pretty much same as last year with all precautions,” Raman, who is also the commissioner of Garhwal division of Uttarakhand was quoted as saying by a news daily.

In 2019, nearly 38 lakh pilgrims visited the holy shrines, but in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only 4.2 lakh could embark only the holy pilgrimage. Keeping in mind the pandemic situation, the state government has started preparations in advance.

It is expected that the SOPs fo the Char Dham Yatra will include various condition to visit the four holy shrines - Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri including the need for pilgrims to register themselves and get an e-pass. As per report SOPs may also require for pilgrims to carry identification and address proof. 

The Yatra’s duration can also be increased if any natural calamity such as landslides, excessive rainfall, and others hinders the movement of the pilgrims. The state government may also put a limitation on the number of pilgrims visiting every shrine per day.