DEHRADUN: National Green Tribunal ( NGT ) has directed Uttarakhand govt to submit an affidavit regarding carrying capacity of pilgrims at the Char Dham shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, following concerns over the potential risks associated with overcrowding. In May 2022, the state govt had issued an order setting a cap on the number of pilgrims allowed at the Char Dham shrines. However, this decision was withdrawn in April 2023.
The absence of a defined carrying capacity has led to concerns about safety. During the ceremony for opening of the temple's portals for the summer season, a massive crowd of pilgrims became stuck on a narrow path adjacent to a dangerous ravine. Although no casualties happened, the situation highlighted the risks of overcrowding.
At the previous hearing, NGT had directed the secretary of the state environment department to share the govt's stand on potential mishaps. . The official submitted that the threshold for pilgrims visiting these places was fixed by the state.
However, the tribunal found no such order. NGT granted the state an extension of one week to provide relevant records..
