It is all very well for the Uttarakhand Government to launch the ‘Winter Char Dham Yatra’ for the sake of boosting the hill economy. However, it is easier said than done. First, it goes against Hindu tradition, which prescribes the period when shrines are to open and close, pilgrimages are to be conducted, and the duties of the seers in this regard. There were obvious logical reasons behind it. It may be argued that the concerns of the past need not be heeded because of technological and infrastructural advances but being sensitive to the environment goes beyond that.
The Himalayas need to be given the chance to breathe and rejuvenate. Just the amount of non-biodegradable waste that the modern-day Char Dham Yatra generates is unmanageable. Just think of what the winter yatra will generate if it succeeds. The flora and fauna need to be provided relief from the intrusive human visitors. Add to this the many safety challenges there are likely to be. Snowfall and rain will cause disruptions that will make it nigh impossible for any kind of rescue and relief missions to succeed. Chances of survival in the prevailing weather conditions will also be extremely low. Is it fair to subject unsuspecting pilgrims and the disaster management agencies to such challenges?
It is also important that the scriptures be examined on whether such pilgrimage is permitted. What are the local traditions in the areas where the travelling Deities sojourn for the winter? And, indeed, is the infrastructure and the services available for meeting the influx of pilgrims available, if they are persuaded to visit? It is important to understand the philosophy behind the yatra and what it was supposed to achieve. While devotees may be provided conveniences of many kinds to visit, it must not be forgotten that it is primarily a spiritual exercise. The old way of the yatra brought people close to nature and boosted the spirit. That should be the primary goal.
It would be much wiser that winter sports are encouraged, and the necessary investments made, if it is the economy that concerns the government. What does it reveal about how much attention is being paid to this aspect when it is reported that the snow-making machine in Auli has rusted and is non-functional? Will the Winter Yatra be similarly managed? Populist policies are important in politics, but they should not cross the line of practicality.
