Police are fully preparing for winter travel, with a plan in place to address any challenges.
The police have ramped up preparations for the winter pilgrimage. For the first time, the winter pilgrimage will be conducted smoothly for 12 months in the state. This brings several challenges, and the Uttarakhand police are developing a plan to tackle them. Police Preparations for the Winter Pilgrimage The Uttarakhand police have started to tighten their preparations for the winter Char Dham pilgrimage. While there are certainly challenges, they are continuously working on strategies to address these issues. At the administrative level, additional police forces are being deployed to ensure that the pilgrimage is safe and smooth.
Identifying Sensitive Areas
Rajiv Swaroop, the IG of the Garhwal range, mentioned that snowfall is common in the hilly areas during winter, which can block many routes. Therefore, sensitive areas are being identified to ensure that pilgrims do not face any difficulties during the winter journey.
Winter Abodes of the Four Dhams
In Rudraprayag district, the Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath serves as the winter residence for Lord Kedarnath (Lord Shiva). This place is perfect for those who seek peace and spirituality. During winter, when Badrinath is covered in snow, Lord Badrinath gives darshan to his devotees at the Pandukeshwar Yoga-Dhyana Badri temple and the Narsingh Badri temple in Joshimath.
During the winter closure of Yamunotri Dham, Mother Yamuna provides darshan to her devotees in the village of Kharsali, which is locally known as Khushimath. Kharsali is a beautiful recreational spot with rolling grassy meadows and oak and coniferous forests. After the closure of Gangotri Dham in winter, Mother Ganga resides in the small village of Mukba near the Bhagirathi River in Harsil, where she also gives darshan to her devotees.