Baba Barfani’s path will be difficult, helicopter stopped again during Amarnath Yatra… then record of faith broken in Kedarnath-Badrinath

Srinagar/Rudraprayag News: This year also there is a disappointing news for the Amarnath pilgrims who were waiting for the darshan of Baba Barfani. Citing security reasons, the administration has not given permission to operate helicopters for Amarnath Yatra for the second consecutive year. While this decision has brought great relief to the security agencies, the elderly, disabled and devotees suffering from health related problems have been deeply disappointed. On the other hand, devotees are flocking to the ongoing Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand. Especially in Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham, there are long queues of devotees for darshan.

According to officials, this tough decision has been taken to give priority to the needs of security forces and aerial surveillance in the sensitive areas of Amarnath. Security agencies believe that regular commercial flights could have affected security management. Due to closure of helicopter service, now passengers will have to cross the difficult and long routes of Pahalgam and Baltal only on foot, horse or palanquin.

However, the administration has clarified that for the convenience of the devotees, medical and emergency services have been strengthened more than before on the way. The entire yatra route and base camps will be monitored with drones and CCTV cameras.

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Record broken in Kedarnath-Badrinath, lakhs of devotees paid obeisance

On one hand, this time there will be a challenge to travel on foot in Amarnath, on the other hand, the influx of devotees in Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham of Uttarakhand is breaking all records. According to the latest figures, till now 10,50,670 (more than 10.5 lakh) devotees have attended the court of Baba Kedar. At the same time, 8,32,903 pilgrims have reached Badrinath Dham to have darshan of Lord Badri Vishal. A huge crowd of devotees and long queues are seen in both the holy places from morning till late night. The administration is having to work hard to control the crowd.

Due to security reasons, helicopter service for Amarnath Yatra will remain closed for the second consecutive year, due to which elderly and sick pilgrims will have to go on foot or by palanquin. On the other hand, more than 18 lakh devotees have visited Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham in Uttarakhand so far.