Garhwal Post Bureau
Haridwar, 26 May: A sharp rise in the number of pilgrims for Char Dham Yatra has been noticed over the past two days. This sudden surge has caused serious inconvenience at the temporary registration centre set up at Rishikul grounds in Haridwar, where devotees have been struggling for registration. With the crowd swelling at the shrines, the administration was forced to restrict the number of registrations, and by 2 p.m. today, the counters were closed, leaving thousands of pilgrims disappointed and forced to return without permits.
The pilgrims alleged that despite waiting in queues overnight, the counters were shut without prior notice. They pointed out that registration had been available round the clock for several days, and demanded that the facility be restored so that no devotee faces hardship in undertaking the sacred journey.
Some pilgrims from Ajmer district of Rajasthan, had come with 27 companions but were unable to register despite standing in line for two days. They added that they did not have enough money to stay in hotels or dharamshalas and were compelled to remain at the registration centre itself, but were not allowed to do so. They urged the government to ensure proper arrangements for registration.
Some pilgrims from Chhattisgarh said they had had been in line since 7 a.m. but the counters were closed at 2 p.m. They added that theirs was a group of 95 people, who now faced difficulties in staying in Haridwar. They stressed that, in the scorching heat, pilgrims are suffering and the administration should ensure registration for all. Similarly, other pilgrims from Jharkhand said they had been wandering in Haridwar for two days, joining the queue at 2 a.m. but failing to get their turn by noon. They also lamented that the registration system had ruined their plans for the pilgrimage and that without permits they would have to return. They also pointed out lack of funds to stay longer and appealed for better arrangements.
District Tourism Officer Sushil Nautiyal explained that the number of pilgrims at Kedarnath and Yamunotri had risen sharply over the past two days, and therefore registrations were halted at 2 p.m. on 26 May for safety reasons. He assured that the process would resume at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow, with all devotees able to register by standing in line. He added that facilities such as drinking water, toilets, tents and health services had been arranged at the Rishikul centre. He claimed that those unable to register on 25 May were accommodated on 26 May.
In Rishikesh, too, registration counters were closed after 2 p.m. Counter in-charge Premanand said that due to the rising number of pilgrims, registrations were conducted only until 2 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, after which the counters were shut.
Many pilgrims expressed distress that they had budgeted their journey with limited resources and were stranded in Haridwar for two days. With no extra money for food and lodging, several were seen compelled to stay at the registration centre itself, highlighting the urgent need for smoother arrangements to ensure that the spiritual journey is not marred by administrative hurdles.
