Dehradun. With the opening of the doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri ji, the holy Chardham Yatra is going to start from Wednesday. Chardham Yatra also contributes significantly to the economy of Uttarakhand. The journey provides livelihood to hotel-lodge operators, transport businessmen to horse-mule operators. In the same sequence, this time more than 4300 horse-mule operators will provide their services on the Kedarnath and Yamunotri walking route.
Kedarnath – Registration of five thousand
To go to Kedarnath Dham, pilgrims have to cover a distance of about 18 km on foot from Gaurikund. Due to this, a large number of travelers take the service of horses and mules. This time, 2493 operators have registered more than five thousand horses and mules for Kedarnath Dham. The Animal Husbandry Department has issued fitness certificates for horses and mules on the basis of health tests. The department has set up veterinary hospitals in Sonprayag, Gaurikund, Lynchauli and Kedarnath and has also appointed five doctors and seven paravets. Hot water has also been arranged at 13 places on the walking route.
Yamunotri – 3700 registrations
More than 3700 horses and mules have been registered for Yamunotri Dham. A temporary veterinary hospital has been set up at Jankichatti for the examination, vaccination, medical assistance and treatment of horses and mules used in the Yamunotri Yatra. Where four veterinarians along with four livestock extension officers and two livestock assistants have been deployed. A total of six geysers have been installed on the travel route. Booking from pre-paid counter
Five pre-paid booking counters have been set up for Kedarnath at Sonprayag, Gaurikund, Bhimbali, Lichauli and Rudra Point. Similarly, a prepaid counter has been set up by the District Panchayat at Jankichatti for Yamunotri. Numbered jackets are being provided to horse-mule operators for Yamunotri and only one travel will be allowed to the Dham in a day.
From road transport to heli and horse-mules, facilities are being provided to make the journey of the devotees pleasant and comfortable. Clear instructions have been given to the Animal Husbandry Department, only completely healthy horses and mules should be sent on the journey. Also, the health of horses and mules should be tested on the travel route.
Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand
