By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 15 Apr: The Uttarakhand Government has issued a special health advisory for pilgrims from other states coming for the Char Dham Yatra this year. The Char Dham Yatra is officially scheduled to begin on 19 April with the opening of the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri temples. The Health Advisory is aimed to ensure that the Char Dham Yatra 2026 is conducted in a safe and well-organised manner.
Acting under the directions of Health Secretary Sachin Kurve, the Health Department has issued a special health advisory for pilgrims travelling from various states across the country.
According to the health department, a health alert campaign related to Char Dham Yatra has already been launched with the objective of minimising health-related complications during the pilgrimage and enhancing awareness among devotees. The state government had written letters to other states in this respect. As part of this initiative, Assistant Director Dr Amit Shukla had also visited Rajasthan on 9 April, where he held a detailed meeting with administrative and health officials of the state. The meeting, convened at the level of the Principal Secretary in the Rajasthan government, was attended by the Director, Public Health, Dr Ravi Prakash Sharma, among others.
During the discussions, the health guidelines and advisory issued by the Uttarakhand government were shared in detail, and potential health risks associated with the yatra, along with necessary precautions, were thoroughly deliberated upon. Particular emphasis was laid on ensuring that pilgrims travelling from Rajasthan are made aware of health-related information, precautions and guidelines well in advance so that they can undertake the journey with adequate preparation.
It was also decided at the meeting that these health advisories would not remain confined to urban centres but would be disseminated down to the village level across Rajasthan. It was also made clear that the health advisory applies to all the Char Dham pilgrims coming to Uttarakhand this year from across the country. For this purpose, assistance will be sought from the administration in each state, the health department and public representatives. The advisory issued by the Uttarakhand government specifically urges the elderly pilgrims, as well as those suffering from heart ailments and respiratory diseases, to undergo proper medical examination well before embarking on the journey.
Keeping in view the challenges posed by high-altitude conditions, including reduced oxygen levels, unpredictable weather changes and long stretches of trekking, the advisory also stresses on the importance of carrying essential medicines in adequate quantity, maintaining physical fitness and ensuring adequate preparation.
Health Secretary Sachin Kurve stated that the Uttarakhand government is fully committed to making the Char Dham Yatra safe and successful, and that efforts are being made to ensure that every pilgrim is provided proper health facilities and timely information. He added that coordination with other states is being strengthened to ensure wide dissemination of health advisories.
The Health Secretary further observed that special focus has been placed on those states from where a larger number of pilgrims undertake the Char Dham Yatra.
Elderly persons, particularly those suffering from heart disease, diabetes or respiratory ailments, have been advised to exercise extra caution due to the high altitudes exceeding 2,700 metres. Pilgrims have been cautioned about the possibility of low oxygen levels and extreme cold conditions at higher elevations and have been advised to acclimatise gradually.
The advisory further recommends intake of at least two litres of fluids daily and advises against travelling on an empty stomach. Besides this, the advisory also shares that more than 1,350 doctors and paramedical staff have been deployed along the yatra route, and pilgrims are urged to immediately approach the nearest medical relief post or screening centre in case of any discomfort. Devotees have also been advised to remain adequately hydrated, carry sufficient warm clothing and refrain from alcohol consumption and smoking during the journey. Carrying medical prescriptions and the contact details of treating doctors has also been emphasised.
The pilgrims have also been informed that in case of any emergency, they may contact helpline numbers 104 or 108 for immediate assistance.
