Char Dham Yatra may start from June 8, priests oppose move

A GOVT SPOKESPERSON SAID APPREHENSIONS OF PRIESTS WILL BE DULY CONSIDERED BEFORE A FINAL DECISION IS TAKEN

DEHRADUN: Priests in Uttarakhand have opposed the government’s bid to start Char Dham Yatra on June 8. The move conforms to the Centre’s guidelines on opening places of worship across the country.

Making its misgivings plain, the priests’ body has said that the yatra, an annual affair that draws pilgrims in teeming multitudes from across the country and beyond, would increase the risk of coronavirus infection in the state.

They fear that the risk would be especially more in the remote upper reaches of the state where the coveted shrines are located.

Brijesh Sati, spokesperson for Devbhoomi Tirtha Purohit Haqhakudhari Mahapanchayat, said that the priests of the four main shrines of Uttarakhand don’t want the Chardham Yatra to roll at this time as social distancing and sanitisation of all vehicles cannot be completely ensured.

The priests have demanded that the state push back the pilgrimage till the spread of the contagion has been contained and the yatra is not deemed a threat to public health.

Chief minister TS Rawat, while addressing media from his residence on Wednesday said that the Central government has given permission to open religious places from June 8 and it is being considered to start Chardham Yatra in limited, controlled and safe manner.

Reacting to the opposition voiced by the priests, cabinet minister and government spokesperson Madan Kaushik said that their apprehensions would be considered before a final decision is taken.