Now, chardham pilgrims will have to take alcohol test

There will be select alcohol check points on way to all chardham shrines wherein pilgrims will be examined SATPAL MAHARAJ , state tourism minister

DEHRADUN: Chardham pilgrims coming to Uttarakhand this season will have to undergo alcohol test and prepare their photo identity cards.

Uttarakhand tourism department has planned mandatory alcohol test for pilgrims visiting Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath shrines in pilgrimage season 2017 that will begin with opening of Gangotri Temple portals on April 28.

As per state tourism minister Satpal Maharaj, alcohol test norm will be adhered strictly to in order to prevent pilgrims from not only consuming liquor but also avoid untoward incidents taking place en route to hills.

“Alcohol tests of pilgrims will be conducted at selected points en route to chardham shrines. Government will soon come up with plan for its implementation. There will be select alcohol check points on way to all chardham shrines wherein pilgrims will be examined,” said state tourism minister Satpal Maharaj while speaking to HT after his first departmental review meeting following assumption of his office.

When asked how pilgrims can be prevented from taking liquor as they can consume it at any place after or before alcohol check points Maharaj said, “There will be multiple check points on chardham routes and they can be examined there but real goal is to prevent pilgrims from going to holy shrines under influence of liquor particularly from the location where from they take pedestrian tracks.”

Maharaj said that pilgrims making stays at hotels and other places will not be disturbed as to what they do within the four walls. As per sources in tourism department, although exact figure for deaths due to drunken driving during chardham pilgrimage is not available there were reports that a large section of tourists undertook pilgrimage under liquor influence which needs to be controlled.

Opposition Congress has expressed doubts as to possibility of implementation of alcohol test plan for pilgrims. Party questioned if government wants to deny the people of their right.

“How can government do so even if the idea is acceptable to everyone. Preventing sanctity of chardham pilgrimage shrines is fine but what about the right of people who want to consume liquor. What will be status of liquor shops on pilgrimage routes. We will wait and watch how things shape up in coming days” said Congress leader and media advisor of former chief minister Harish Rawat.

Meanwhile, Maharaj stated that other focus of 2017 pilgrimage season will be increase tourists flow compared to past specially in pre 2013 disaster time. “While increasing Chardham pilgrims flow will be key area we will also ensure 24x7 communication facilities for pilgrims” said Maharaj