Confidence confluence, development: Uttarakhand CM Dhammi is 11.4 lakh pilgrims as of June 18 as Kedarnath Yatra. Bharat News

Rudraprayag: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Sunday that the ongoing Kedarnath Dham Yatra has become a confluence of notable synergy between spiritual devotion and development in the state. Taking X, CM Dhami announced that in a span of just 48 days, more than 11.4 lakh devotees have paid their honors in revered Kedarnath Shrine. ,Describing the pilgrimage as “a wonderful confluence of development with faith”, the Chief Minister said that the bounce in the footfall has not only strengthened the spiritual landscape of Uttarakhand, but has also greatly promoted its local economy.“It is not just a pilgrimage, but has become a symbol of the economic, cultural and spiritual prosperity of Uttarakhand. Hell Baba Kedar! “He said, sharing updates using the hashtag #Chardhamyatra2025.The annual Char Dham Yatra, which includes pilgrimage of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, is one of the most important religious visits in Hinduism.The state government has introduced a series of infrastructure upgrades in recent years-which include better roads, helicopter services, and better housing-to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage experience for the devotees.This year, Kedarnath Dham has seen an unprecedented influx of pilgrims, which is characterized by both the authorities to increase better facilities and spiritual interest.Authorities have also deployed increased safety and medical response teams to effectively manage high-high journey.Kedarnath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated in the Himalayas at an altitude of more than 11,000 feet and holds huge religious significance.The doors of Kedarnath Yatra for the year 2025 were opened to devotees on May 2.According to an official release, local hotels, restaurants, traders and small businesses such as horses, heli, and dandi-kandi services collectively traded about three billion.It has been said that local traders, women self-help groups, taxi operators, and people associated with any kind of business are getting full benefit of pilgrimage.Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Ashish Rawat said, “By June 18, 2,27,614 pilgrims have reached for darshan through horses and mules, which has generated Rs 66 crore Rs 73 lakh 90 thousand 350.” He also mentioned that this year, around 8,000 horses and mules are registered. Due to the influenza virus due to infectious disease, horse-mule operations were also affected for a few days.Haley services play a very important role in Kedarnath Yatra, as they give to devotees who are unable to walk to complete the journey. This service also produces income.Emphasizing this, District Tourism Officer and Nodal Haley Service officer Rahul Choubey said that this year eight heli companies are working with nine helipads.He said that by June 18, 49,247 devotees have reached Baba Kedarnath Dham through heli services, which has generated an income of about 60 crores.Choubey also appealed to the devotees to book heli services through the official website of IRCTC. The press release mentions that the operation of Dandi-Kandi, which is considered safe for young children, has also produced Rs 2 crore till 18 June. This includes invoices and fine of Rs 4,17,000 imposed at various establishments to spread dirt and violate other rules.Additional Chief Officer of District Panchayat Rudraprayag, Sanjay Kumar also said that more than 7,000 dandi-kandi operators are registered for this year’s visit.Kulwant Singh Chauhan, Assistant Transport Officer of Rudraprayag, said that this year, 225 vehicles are registered for shuttle service in Shri Kedarnath Dham Yatra, mentioned in release.As of June 18, taxi operators have earned about Rs 11 crore 40 thousand through shuttle services.