By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 11 May:  Soldiers of the 418 Engineering Corps along with the Hemkund Sahib Trust’s Sewadars are continuously engaged in clearing the Yatra route to Hemkund Sahib of snow as and when the weather permits.
The first batch of pilgrims will leave for Hemkund Sahib on 17 May, which is likely to be flagged off by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami from Rishikesh. The portals of the Gurudwara are scheduled to open on 20 May.
Snow clearing work has picked up pace during the past two days as the weather conditions have improved. Preparations are in full swing to allow smooth Yatra for the pilgrims to Hemkund Sahib.
As per the office bearers of the Gurudwara at Laxman Jhula, the number of pilgrims who will be part of the first batch is not fixed yet but only those who reach Laxman Jhula Gurudwara by the evening of 16 May will be allowed to leave in the first batch.
This time, also, the pilgrims will travel to Hemkund Sahib by rotation buses. Like last year, the buses will be provided by rotation to the Gurudwara management. Buses will be made available to the Gurudwara Management as per demand.
On 15 May, a registration counter will be set up at the Gurudwara in Laxmanjhula for pilgrims going to Hemkund Sahib. Chardham Yatra registration in-charge, Premanand has stated that permission is being taken from the Gurudwara Management to open the registration centre. On getting permission, three counters will be set up for registration.
