In Uttarakhand’s Himalayas, 53 pilgrims died in the first month of the holy pilgrimage to Chardham, which began on April 19. According to the state emergency management centerOver 15.63 lakh pilgrims visited the four temples during this period and a number of pilgrims died mainly due to health reasons, the Center said.
According to official statisticsKedarnath recorded the highest death toll of 28 pilgrims, followed by Badrinath with 10, Yamunotri with eight and Gangotri with seven.
Health Department officials saidMost of these deaths are not accidental, but due to health problems such as cardiac arrest, high blood pressure and the effects of adverse weather conditions. Elderly and pre-existing pilgrims are at greater risk due to low oxygen levels and steep climbs in the high and inaccessible Himalayan mountain regions. In earlier years the death rate during the pilgrimage was alarming. According to official data, 246 pilgrims and 83 died in 2024
Uttarakhand Health Minister Subodh Uniyal said many pilgrims ignore early symptoms in their desire to complete the journey.leading to severe cardiovascular and altitude-related diseases. However, he said that the government has increased medical assistance to bring the situation under control. The health minister said that 47 hospitals have already been set up on the route and around 2,820 health workers and 400 doctors have been deployed at various places.
In addition, DrDunn Medical College and Srinagar Medical College have specialized training in treating problems related to altitude sickness, high blood pressure and diabetes.Preparations are currently underway to improve the infrastructure of Kedarnath and Badrinath hospitals and the trauma centers of two medical colleges have been upgraded. New centers are planned to be set up in places like Kauriyala to speed up emergency services, government sources said.
