The Chardham Yatra of 2024, an annual sojourn embarked upon by myriad devotees, has taken a sorrowful twist as it coincided with the lamentable demise of 42 souls. As pilgrims commenced their transcendent odyssey to the hallowed precincts of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, the elation of pilgrimage has been overshadowed by the tragedy of these premature passings.
The pilgrimage, inaugurated on May 10 with Gangotri-Yamunotri and Kedarnath Dham, and succeeded by the unveiling of the Badrinath Dham on May 12, to welcome upwards of 800,000 devotees over a span of 13 days, has been tainted by the untimely loss of 42 pilgrims, as delineated by the Uttarakhand State Emergency Operation Center. Officials disclosed that the tally was tabulated until 5:30 pm on Wednesday.
Kedarnath Dham has emerged as the locus of the highest fatality count, with 19 pilgrims succumbing within a mere 13 days. Subsequent to Kedarnath, Yamunotri Dham bore witness to 12 fatalities, while Badrinath and Gangotri Dham documented 9 and 2 demises respectively. The departed devotees, all surpassing the age of 55, predominantly perished due to cardiac arrests and sundry infirmities.
Expressing apprehension regarding the escalating mortality rate, the Uttarakhand government has persistently implored pilgrims, especially those aged 55 and above, to undergo medical evaluations prior to embarking on the Chardham Yatra. Accentuating the paramountcy of pilgrim well-being, authorities have counseled individuals adjudged unfit by medical practitioners to postpone their pilgrimage until their health ameliorates. Despite these advisories, certain pilgrims have elected to proceed with the pilgrimage, completing self-risk assessments and disregarding medical counsel.
The rugged topography and inclement weather conditions pose formidable obstacles to pilgrims, particularly considering the arduous trek spanning approximately 5 kilometers to reach Yamunotri Dham and a taxing 16-kilometer pilgrimage to Kedarnath Dham. The amalgamation of steep ascents and severe cold has proved fatal for numerous elderly devotees and those grappling with pre-existing maladies, culminating in regrettable circumstances.
