In view of rain and snowfall in Kedarnath Dham for the past few days, the Uttarakhand government has issued an alert urging devotees to be careful and start their Yatra as per the weather forecast. The government stated, "It may be noted that intermittent rain and snowfall continue in Kedarnath Dham. All the devotees coming to Kedarnath Dham from the country and abroad have been informed by the government to check the weather forecast before going to Kedarnath Dham and have been asked to carry enough warm clothes."
ANI quoted Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar as saying, "There was heavy snowfall in Kedarnath Dham yesterday. Pilgrims are requested to be alert and begin their yatra by looking at the weather."
The state government has said that adequate health arrangements have been made on all the travel routes. Passengers can also visit the nearest health centre to consult a doctor immediately after starting the journey or in case their health deteriorates during the journey. The state government is determined to make the journey smooth, safe, and uninterrupted. It is also monitoring travel arrangements from a higher level.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed Health Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, and Health Secretary Dr. R K Rajesh Kumar to take stock of the health services that are available on the route.
PTI quoted the Health Secretary as saying, "Guidelines ie SOP have been issued for the journey. In this, travellers have been suggested to acclimatize their bodies to the mountain weather during the journey. If you are facing difficulty then rest for some time and only then travel."
He said that the state government welcomes all the pilgrims coming for the Yatra but at the same time, the dispensation has urged that if anyone above the age of 55 is suffering from diseases like Sugar, BP, or any heart disease, they inform about the same.
The Char Dham Yatra began on the occasion of Akshay Tritiya.