Preparations underway to make registration mandatory before visiting Kainchi Dham, consideration given to a limit of 20-25 thousand pilgrims daily
In view of the increasing crowds at Kainchi Dham in Uttarakhand, the administration is preparing to make registration mandatory for pilgrims. This decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat following reports of more than 50 thousand pilgrims arriving here last weekend. The proposal is yet to be sent to the government […]
What was decided in the meeting
Commissioner Rawat held a meeting with taxi operators, hoteliers, and other stakeholders on Tuesday. A consensus was reached to make the registration of pilgrims mandatory at Kainchi Dham. According to reports, the DM and SSP have been instructed to prepare a blueprint for this and send it to the government. One report stated that pilgrims will have to register on a portal before reaching the Dham so that the administration can estimate the number of visitors and the capacity for accommodation in the vicinity.
In the meeting, a daily limit of 20 to 25 thousand pilgrims was considered a "manageable limit." Different reports have estimated the crowd that arrived over the recent weekend to be between approximately 40 thousand and over 50 thousand.
What other arrangements for crowds and traffic
The Commissioner directed that the highway should not be obstructed and that movement towards Almora, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh should remain smooth. If the crowd increases, a shuttle service will be operated from Bhowali and surrounding areas. One report mentions shuttle services from Bhimtal, Vikas Bhawan, Bhowali, and Masjid Tiraha. The CO and SDM have been asked to hold a meeting before the weekend to make arrangements.
Instructions have been given to create separate paths for entry and exit in the temple premises, increase CCTV surveillance on major routes, and deploy officials on-site during the weekend. Bathing in the Shipra River has been prohibited, and the Forest Department has been ordered to take action against those violating the rules.
Instructions for shopkeepers and hotels
It has been made mandatory for shops and hotels to display a rate list. Action has been promised against those charging excess money, with instructions mentioned including the cancellation of licenses.
What is the impact on Nainital
Some reports have stated that there will also be strictness on vehicles coming to Nainital without booking. However, no official announcement regarding a ban on entry or mandatory booking in Nainital has been made yet. Clarity from the administration on this is awaited.
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