Char Dham Yatra Records 53 Deaths in First Month, Over 15 Lakh Pilgrims Visit Shrines
The Wire Staff
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New Delhi: Over 50 people have died during the Char Dham Yatra since the religious pilgrimage began last month on April 19, the New India Express has reported citing official data.
According to the numbers provided by the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), more than 15.63 lakh pilgrims have visited the four shrines in this period and 53 deaths have been reported.
Of the 53 deaths, 28 have been recorded at Kedarnath, followed by 10 at Badrinath, eight at Yamunotri and seven at Gangotri.
Health officials said most of the deaths were linked to medical conditions, including heart attacks, high-altitude illness, hypertension and exposure to severe weather conditions, rather than accidents, the report said.
The pilgrimage has recorded high fatality numbers in recent years. According to the report, 246 pilgrims died during the Yatra in 2024, while 83 deaths were reported in the 2025 season.
The pilgrimage routes pass through high-altitude areas with lower oxygen levels and steep climbs, posing health risks for elderly pilgrims and people with existing medical conditions.
Uttarakhand health minister Subodh Uniyal said that many pilgrims ignore initial symptoms in an attempt to complete the journey, which can worsen heart-related problems and altitude sickness.
Uniyal said that the Uttarakhand government has increased medical support along the Yatra route. “We have established 47 hospitals along the Yatra route and deployed approximately 2,820 health personnel alongside 400 doctors at various transit points,” the minister added.
The government has also trained 180 doctors from Doon Medical College and Srinagar Medical College to treat altitude sickness, hypertension and diabetes-related complications. Additional hospital facilities are also being planned at Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Officials said trauma centres at Doon Medical College and Srinagar Medical College are being upgraded, while new centres are planned at locations including Kaudiyala to improve emergency response during the golden hour, the report said.
Authorities have advised pilgrims with heart ailments or hypertension to undergo medical examinations before undertaking the Yatra.
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