Uttarakhand Cracks Down on Distractions in Char Dham Temples: No Phones or Cameras from Next Season

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Uttarakhand has announced a strict ban on mobile phones and cameras inside the four Char Dham temples from the upcoming pilgrimage season. The move aims to preserve the sanctity of the pilgrimage and improve darshan arrangements, which were disrupted last year due to excessive recording and photography. According to Garhwal commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, the ban is necessary to prevent problems in darshan management. While pilgrims will be allowed to take photographs outside the temples, cameras and phones will be prohibited beyond designated points inside the premises. At Badrinath, no cameras or mobile phones will be allowed beyond the Singh Dwar entrance, while at Kedarnath, phones will also be prohibited. The decision is part of the state's efforts to make this year's pilgrimage smoother and more convenient. Over 50 lakh devotees undertook the Char Dham Yatra last year, and the state aims to learn from the previous experience to improve the pilgrimage. The government has directed district magistrates to complete essential works within a week and prioritize the removal of debris from pilgrimage routes. The opening dates of the four Dhams are yet to be announced, but the pilgrimage is likely to begin in April. The state has assured round-the-clock arrangements for drinking water, medical facilities, transport, food supply, sanitation, electricity, telecommunications, and disaster control rooms at all four Dhams and along the pilgrimage routes before the yatra begins. The government has also emphasized the importance of increasing parking capacity, improving pedestrian pathways, and ensuring adequate accommodation in hotels and GMVN guest houses. A district-wise review of preparations in Haridwar, Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli was conducted during the review meeting.