Ban on mobile phones near Char Dham Temples imposed by Uttarakhand government

In a move aimed at preserving the sanctity and spiritual atmosphere of its revered religious sites, the Uttarakhand government has imposed a ban on the use of mobile phones in a 200-meter radius of the Char Dham temples. 

This decision, announced recently, applies to the temples of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, which are part of the highly venerated Char Dham pilgrimage circuit in northern India. This decision was taken during a special meeting on the Chardham pilgrimage. 

The government has cited concerns over the disruption caused by mobile phones, including noise pollution, distraction during prayers, and the disrespect shown by visitors taking selfies and recording videos in sacred spaces. This step is seen as a measure to ensure that the temples maintain their spiritual ambiance, allowing pilgrims to engage in undisturbed worship and reflection.

In addition to the ban on mobile phones, photography, and video recording within 200 meters of the temples have also been prohibited by the authorities. Also as per the government mandate, only registered vehicles will be allowed on the Char Dham routes, a step taken to streamline traffic and ensure safety.

Going by the reports, with around 2,800,000 registrations in the past month alone, the current season of Chardham pilgrimage has witnessed a tremendous influx of devotees. The surge in pilgrims during the first six days of the pilgrimage season overwhelmed the state’s crowd management efforts. The number of visitors far exceeded the temples' capacity, raising concerns about potential incidents.

Additionally, the government has emphasized the necessity for all devotees to register before traveling to Uttarakhand for the Chardham pilgrimage. Registration can be done on the Uttarakhand tourism website. As per reports, strict checks will be conducted at all checkpoints, and unregistered devotees will not be allowed to proceed, aiming to prevent mismanagement and ensure a smooth pilgrimage.

The government dismissed any reports of stampedes as false, prioritizing the safety of pilgrims. Authorities are committed to taking strict action against those spreading fake news. The government’s recent measures aim to address these challenges ensuring a more organized pilgrimage experience for all devotees.