Govind Ghat bridge collapse: The Govind Ghat bridge, considered crucial for treks to Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand, collapsed on Wednesday due to a landslide. The incident completely cut off the access of Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, to the other side from Govind Ghat. The administration's biggest challenge now is to construct a new bridge before the Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage, which begins on May 25.
Bridge collapses due to landslides are not new. The bridge at this location has been damaged several times before. However, the challenge is even greater this time because there are only 80 days left until the pilgrimage begins. Constructing a strong and safe bridge in such a short time will not be easy for the administration.
Absence Of Govind Ghat Bridge Will Trouble Pilgrims
Millions of devotees visit Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers every year. This pilgrimage is considered extremely important from both religious and natural perspectives. The administration starts preparations well in advance of the pilgrimage to avoid any inconvenience to the devotees. However, the collapse of the bridge at Govind Ghat may now jeopardise this pilgrimage.
Without the Govind Ghat bridge, the main route to Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO Heritage Site, is blocked. Vehicles go from here to Pulna village. Then devotees complete the journey on horseback in palanquins or on foot. If the bridge is not built soon, pilgrims will have to walk several additional kilometres, making the journey arduous.
What Is The Chamoli Administration Saying?
The administration sprang into action soon after the bridge collapsed. District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari asked the PWD (Public Works Department) to find a solution. The PWD's superintending engineer has been sent to the site to prepare a report for the construction of a new bridge over the Alaknanda River.
DM Tiwari said, "There is still time before the pilgrimage begins, but we must build the bridge as soon as possible. We hope that before the pilgrimage, we will be able to build an alternative bridge there."
If the bridge is not built on time, the pilgrimage route may be changed. Instead of going by vehicle to Pulna, devotees will have to travel on foot from Govind Ghat. This will make the journey difficult and cause problems for many elderly pilgrims.
Impact On Local Businesses
Preparations for the Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage begin in early May every year. Work is carried out on road repairs, bridge inspections, electricity and water arrangements, and cleaning campaigns. But this time, the collapse of the Govind Ghat bridge has changed the administration's priorities. Now, the most important thing is to build the bridge first so that the pilgrimage can proceed smoothly.
This bridge is also very important for the people living in and around Govind Ghat. This bridge is linked to the livelihoods of local traders and hoteliers. Thousands of devotees stay and shop here during the Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage. If the bridge is not built, the number of pilgrims may decrease, which will negatively impact local businesses.