Avoid creating negativity around Char Dham Yatra: Uttarakhand CM Dhami to people

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday appealed to citizens and political rivals to avoid creating a negative atmosphere around the Char Dham Yatra, describing the pilgrimage as the lifeline of Uttarakhand's economy. Dhami told a special session of the state assembly that some individuals are trying to politicise the pilgrimage through social media reels. He said opposing the government or the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) is permissible, but don't target the sacred yatra. ''The Char Dham Yatra is a difficult journey based on collective faith. It serves as a lifeline for Uttarakhand's economy. Instead of spreading negativity, one should encourage the journey and the pilgrims,'' the chief minister said. The CM's remarks follow the death of a 69-year-old pilgrim from Gujarat due to cardiac arrest in Kedarnath on April 22. His family alleged that his body remained stranded for over five hours before the administration arranged a free airlift to the base. In a statement, the administration denied claims of prolonged delay and private charges in airlifting mortal remains. It clarified that a helicopter was activated immediately upon receiving a request from UCADA (Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority) to bring down the body. ''No charges were levied for this service, and allegations of payment are false,'' the statement said. The administration said the flight was undertaken at the shortest possible time following necessary clearances. Responding to concerns regarding a gas crisis in the state, Dhami clarified that there is ''no shortage'' of fuel. He said he met the Union Petroleum Minister in Delhi on Monday to discuss the supply situation. The chief minister noted that while global conflicts in West Asia have impacted the world, India remains stable under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He urged people to maintain patience, citing India's successful management of the COVID-19 pandemic and its role in providing vaccines to over 100 countries.

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