Cong, BJP Trade Barbs on Dip in Char Dham Footfall

The Opposition Congress on Sunday alleged that the decline in the number of pilgrims visiting the Char Dham yatra this year, compared to the previous year, is due to the "communal atmosphere" in the state.

- HT Correspondent

DEHRADUN: Meanwhile, the BJP accused the Congress of being "confused" as previously "raised concerns over unregulated influx of pilgrims to the Char Dham shrines".

According to official data, from April 30 to May 17 (first 18 days of the yatra), 894,313 pilgrims visited the Char Dham shrines this year. Last year, from May 10 to May 27 (first 18 days of the yatra), 1,224,748 pilgrims visited the revered shrines.

The Char Dham yatra began on April 30 with the opening of the Yamunotri and Gangotri temples in Uttarkashi district. The Kedarnath temple in Rudraprayag district opened on May 2 and Badrinath temple in Chamoli opened on May 4.