Now, separate authority to regulate annual pilgrimage to Kedarnath

Now, separate authority to regulate annual pilgrimage to Kedarnath

News (04.09.2013) #UTTARAKHAND: With the June calamity extensively damaging infrastructure in Kedar valley, Uttarakhand government has decided to constitute a Kedarnath Development Authority to regulate the annual pilgrimage to the Himalayan shrine along the lines of the Vaishnodevi yatra.

Efforts are already under way to give final touches to the authority which will regulate the yatra besides taking on the responsibility of overseeing the reconstruction efforts in Kedar valley, officials said in Dehradun on Wednesday. A notification announcing the formation of the authority is likely to be issued any moment, they said.

The authority will not only oversee rebuilding efforts in the area but also regulate the number of visitors to the temple, their movement and the period of the yatra, they said.

Besides, it will supervise the reconstruction efforts in the specified areas close to the shrine like Rambada, Gaurikund and Guptkashi. It will prepare a masterplan for repairing and constructing the damaged roads, identifying locations for building ropeways and residential arrangements, the officials said. (PTI)