DEHRADUN: The Char Dham yatra has witnessed a significant increase in the number of pilgrims visiting the shrines this year, with the footfall already reaching 20 lakh in the first month, compared to 14.5 lakh last year, a spike of 38%, reports Shivani Azad. This heavy influx of visitors has evoked concerns among environmentalists and the scientific community as it is leaving tangible and intangible impact on the shrine towns, which are situated in the ecologically-fragile Garhwal Himalayas.
At least 2 lakh vehicles have made their way to these towns in the past month, which is way beyond the carrying capacity of the area. The vehicular vibration and emissions are not only causing pollution but also shaking up the hill slopes which may prompt landslides or mudslides during monsoon. Vibrations from back-to-back chopper flights are also contributing to the geological damage in the area, as per experts.
Till June 10, 7.6 lakh people have visited Kedarnath, 4.8 lakh have visited Badrinath, and 3.5 lakh have visited Gangotri and Yamunotri each.
At least 2 lakh vehicles have made their way to these towns in the past month, which is way beyond the carrying capacity of the area. The vehicular vibration and emissions are not only causing pollution but also shaking up the hill slopes which may prompt landslides or mudslides during monsoon. Vibrations from back-to-back chopper flights are also contributing to the geological damage in the area, as per experts.
Till June 10, 7.6 lakh people have visited Kedarnath, 4.8 lakh have visited Badrinath, and 3.5 lakh have visited Gangotri and Yamunotri each.
