By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 3 Jan: The Kedarnath pedestrian route, damaged during the recent monsoon rains, is set for repair. The work is expected to begin soon. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and this report has already been submitted to the Central Government for approval and release of funds.
In the preparation of the report, help of the THDC (Tehri Hydro Development Corporation) experts has also been taken. The THDC experts have proposed a three-phase plan to rebuild the route. This plan includes treating landslide-prone hills to prevent debris, rocks and trees, etc., from falling onto the road, and ensuring safer travel for pilgrims.
It may be recalled that the pedestrian route, particularly beyond Gaurikund and towards Kedarnath shrine, had suffered significant damage due to heavy rains. This had obstructed the Yatra for several days before this route was partially cleared and a very narrow track allowed the pilgrimage to continue. Thus, the need for a more robust and secure pathway is very evident. The government led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is presently claiming to take the Char Dham Yatra to a record level which certainly mandates adequate repair and widening of the pedestrian trek route also.
The proposed plan includes reconstructing sections of the track which were washed-away during the monsoon and then implementing enhanced safety measures along the route.
A budget of Rs 78.35 crores has been proposed and forwarded to the central government by the NHAI and the state government. It is expected that either the Central Disaster Management Department or the Road Transport Department will make the final decision on its implementation.
Meanwhile, departmental engineers have increased their activity on-site, aiming to expedite the repair process. Both the Government of India and the Government of Uttarakhand are prioritising the completion of this project before the next Char Dham Yatra, ensuring a safe and hassle-free journey for pilgrims which is essential if the yatra is to be promoted even more aggressively. The government is also seriously planning to restore the old pedestrian track to Kedarnath which was operational till the natural disaster that struck the Kedar Valley in the year 2013 and remains abandoned since.
