Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has put aside any concerns regarding the Char Dham yatra in light of the sinking at Joshimath. Speaking to reporters on the final day of the Pradesh BJP executive committee meeting in Raiwala, near Rishikesh, Dhami assured the public that the pilgrimage will proceed safely. He stressed that there should be no doubt in people’s minds about Joshimath, which serves as the gateway to Badrinath.
Dhami claimed that 70% of the people in Joshimath live their lives normally and the roads to nearby Badrinath and Auli are completely open. He added that the administration ensures that the Char Dham yatra is carried out without any interruptions and that the safety of the pilgrims is of paramount importance.
“Char Dham yatra will be carried out absolutely safely as before. A record number of pilgrims came for the yatra in the last season. All arrangements for pilgrims will be made this year as well,” Dhami said.
He added that the party will also make efforts to lift people’s spirits. He also criticized the Congress for bringing up the Joshimath issue during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, claiming the party does so in an effort to damage the state’s reputation outside of India. He claimed that “the opposition is hungry for trouble.”
Dhami stated that some people acting under the influence of certain forces are calling for the cancellation of development projects because Joshimath residents hold them responsible for the crisis in Joshimath.
“Discarding all development projects is not a solution. It is not good for the state or for the country. But yes, a balance between the economy and ecology will be maintained while development projects are undertaken,” he said.
According to Dhami, the state government is committed to saving Joshimath, preserving its identity as a strategically, culturally and religiously important city, and properly rehabilitating the affected people.