Faith Triumphs over Fear: Startlingly High Tourist Footfall in Chardhams

2013 had seen torrential rains and landslides in Kedar Valley. This caused obstruction in the Char Dham Yatra and caused much damage to property and lives. Tourist footfall to Kedarnath and surrounding areas had taken a major hit subsequently. However this year, the famous Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand has been a major crowd puller.

Till 15^th June this year 1465665 devotees had visited Char Dham while the entre footfall last year didn’t exceed 4,12, 656. Therefore in a mere 2.5 months, 2017 Char Dham Yatra footfall has beaten last year’s figures by 53 thousand. Local business community and trade and tourism operators have benefited from the pilgrim footfall and economy has been strengthened. The local businesses have been suffering for a long time due to the slump in tourist activity and it’s refreshing to see things improving.

According to latest records, Yamunotri Yatra has created a new benchmark. The numbers have increased by more than 14 thousand 350 people (as compared to last year’s footfall) and this year’s season hasn’t ended yet. Gangotri has seen 1175 more tourists as compared to last year so far while Kedarnath has seen 28,128 more tourists this year.

The end of June will bring in Monsoons and there will be danger and associated safety issues on the Char Dham routes. The government and local authorities have been working tirelessly to strengthen tourist safety arrangements, shelters and refurbishment arrangements.