Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 11 Apr: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for announcing the removal of restrictions on the number of pilgrims visiting the Char Dham shrines this year, a move described as the ‘No Cap Policy’. State BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Bhatt has welcomed the Government decision and he has hailed it as a historic step that respects the faith of devotees while simultaneously strengthening the State’s economy.
Bhatt claimed that the decision to remove any cap on the number of pilgrims would ensure a successful, smooth and safe pilgrimage experience while it has also put an end to rumours and confusion regarding daily limits on pilgrim numbers.
Bhatt emphasised that the Char Dham Yatra is the spiritual centre for devotees across the world. In recent years, under the BJP government, the pilgrimage has been conducted in a safe and organised manner, leading to a significant rise in the number of visitors. He explained that earlier, precautionary rules had been framed to regulate numbers, but with improved arrangements and in view of the public sentiments in mind, the government has now introduced a positive change by removing all the caps. The announcement means that this year there will be no daily restrictions on the number of pilgrims visiting Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Devotees will be able to undertake darshan without administrative barriers, and no maximum limit will be imposed on daily visitors.
The BJP State President claimed that despite the removal of restrictions, safety and convenience of pilgrims will remain the government’s top priority. Crowd management will be strengthened through modern digital monitoring and advanced slot systems. At the same time strict adherence to cleanliness standards will also be ensured under the Green and Clean Yatra initiative.
Bhatt expressed confidence that the new arrangement would greatly benefit the local businesses and temple priests. He noted that the Char Dham Yatra forms the backbone of Uttarakhand’s economy, supporting thousands of traders, employees and self-employed individuals. The decision is expected to bring record growth in their earnings, while devotees will be spared long queues and waiting times.
Bhatt further claimed that the policy would elevate Uttarakhand’s religious culture and tourism to new heights. With a safe, clean and seamless pilgrimage, the government’s goal of providing an unhindered spiritual journey will be achieved more effectively. He hoped that every devotee would return home with a fulfilling experience and that the local community would find new milestones in economic self-reliance through this year’s Char Dham Yatra.
