By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Rudraprayag, 23 Apr: The district administration has claimed that it has ensured prompt and sensitive handling of an unfortunate incident involving the death of a 69-year-old pilgrim at Kedarnath Temple yesterday on the first day of the opening of the portals of Kedarnath shrine. The administration has at the same time cautioned against the circulation of misleading and unverified information in certain quarters.
It may be recalled that a devotee had passed away on the very first day of the 2026 Kedarnath Yatra season. It is reported that the devotee, a resident of Baroda, Gujarat, had arrived with his family to offer prayers at Kedarnath. Tragically, Dilip Bhai Manu Mali lost his life after suffering a heart attack. Consequently, his family members have alleged that he did not receive timely medical attention or other necessary facilities. Certain media reports have alleged that the ground reality of the arrangements has, once again, exposed the hollowness of administrative claims. The ordeal and insensitivity faced by the family of a devotee from Gujarat, who passed away due to a heart attack, have cast a serious shadow of doubt over the entire pilgrimage management system.
However, the authorities today denied any negligence on part of the administration in providing medical care. According to official information, yesterday, at around 6:30 a.m., the police control room received information about a person lying unconscious near White House in the Kedarnath area. Acting swiftly, the district administration initiated immediate relief measures. Personnel of the Yatra Management Force (YMF) promptly shifted the individual to the Primary Health Centre at Kedarnath, where the doctors, after examination, declared him dead.
The authorities further claimed that following this, the administration ensured that the mortal remains were handled with due dignity and sensitivity. With the assistance of YMF personnel, the body was transported to the Kedarnath helipad. At that time, helicopter services were temporarily suspended due to operational constraints. As soon as services resumed, the administration arranged for the body to be airlifted to Jamoo helipad, from where it was sent by a vehicle to the District Hospital in Rudraprayag for further necessary procedures.
The Officials claimed that the entire operation was carried out with prompt decision-making, compassion and a humane approach. The administration has appealed to the public to refrain from paying heed to unverified or misleading reports and to rely only on information issued through official sources. The district administration emphasised that it remains fully dedicated to ensuring the safety, health and convenience of pilgrims and is making every possible effort to provide assistance during the ongoing yatra.
According to the officials, Kedarnath Dham, situated in the high Himalayan region, requires pilgrims to undertake a long and physically demanding trek while also coping with challenging weather conditions. The administration has claimed that in view of these factors, the state government has put in place adequate health facilities and support systems for the safety and well-being of devotees undertaking the yatra.
The officials added that The SDRF team at Kedarnath have been vigilant in ensuring pilgrims’ safety and health. It swiftly rescued two ailing devotees at separate locations, providing timely medical care. On the Sector Magistrate’s alert that a pilgrim at Vivekananda Hospital was in critical condition, Sub‑Inspector Rajbar Rana led his team to shift 55‑year‑old Dhanji Bhai of Gujarat, suffering from severe respiratory distress, to the helipad for airlift to advanced care. In another incident, Head Constable Jitendra Negi’s team rushed to Agra Bhawan on receiving an alert about a 37‑year‑old woman pilgrim, Akanksha of Jaipur, whose condition had suddenly worsened, administered first aid, and transported her to Base Camp Hospital, where she is under treatment.
