Kedarnath Yatra 2023: The preparations for the Char Dham Yatra have been finalized, and the pilgrimage is set to begin on April 22, coinciding with the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya.
However, the Kedarnath portals will reopen to pilgrims on April 25, 2023.
When the yearly pilgrimage to the Himalayan temple in Uttarakhand begins on April 25 (Tuesday), a maximum of roughly 13,000 pilgrims can visit Kedarnath per day.
The government has established a daily limit this time, and a token system has been introduced for the convenience of pilgrims, according to Rudraprayag District Magistrate (DM) Mayur Dikshit on Tuesday (April 18).
The government has made registration necessary for all pilgrims visiting Uttarakhand for the Char Dham Yatra, and no one would be allowed to proceed without it.
The Uttarakhand government has developed a new Yatri verification method. The new approach will include a copy of physical devotee verification, a QR code, and a wristband.
People had to wait in long lines for several hours for their verification, therefore the decision was made.
A passenger's wristband and a copy of physical registration will be mandatory, and pilgrim registration will be validated by scanning the QR code on a mobile device.
"Devotees will be able to reach Kedarnath Dham by helicopter in addition to walking," officials said.
According to the state tourist department, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourist Corporation (IRCTC) has been granted authority to accept online reservations for helicopter pilgrims flying to Kedarnath Dham.
Devotees can sign up for the Char Dham Yatra in two ways: online and in person. Online registration is available at Kedarnath's official website, https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in/.
With the deployment of 22 doctors and an equivalent number of pharmacists along the Yatra route, pilgrims would receive greater medical treatment this time.
The team will include three physicians and two orthopaedic surgeons, with an additional 12 medical relief points established along the route.
Six ambulances have been deployed along the road, three of which have been kept in reserve, and the government has also planned for an air ambulance in case of an emergency.
Nine water purifiers have been installed by Jal Sansthan along the route from Sonprayag to Kedarnath Dham to provide safe drinking water to the pilgrims.
To ensure a hassle-free yatra, around 450 police officers and personnel have been deployed as per the Superintendent of Police's statement. Moreover, arrangements are being made to include 150-200 police personnel from other states.
During the yatra, a lost-and-found centre will also be open. Along with this, signboards in several languages have been prepared for pilgrims from various states.