As many as 39 people, including one local resident of Badrinath, have lost their lives amid the Char Dham Yatra.
In an official statement, Director-General health, Dr. Shailaja Bhatt said, “39 pilgrims have died on the Char Dham Yatra route so far. The cause of death has been high blood pressure, cardiac-related issues and mountain sickness. Pilgrims who are medically unfit are being advised not to travel.”
The State Government of Uttarakhand has now started health screening to allow only the fit and healthy ones to continue with the pilgrimage.
Further, the DG added saying that the screening is being done at created points on the travel routes. Post screenings, passengers who are found with any illness are being advised to take adequate rest or resume their journey post recovery.
The Char Dham Yatra began on May 3 with the opening of Yamunotri and Gangotri portals for devotees. The Shiva shrine, Kedarnath, opened up for devotees on May 6 and Badrinath opened on May 8.
Ms Kalinga