Yatra opens to Hemkunt Sahib, but roads not ready for bikes

Hemkunt Sahib [File Photo]

Dehradun, Uttraakhand (May 27, 2014): It is learnt that the Yatra to Hemkunt Sahib in the Garhwal hills opened on Sunday (May 25) but the roads to the Sikh shrine remain damaged after the flash flood disaster of last June that killed hundreds of people.

The board managing Gurdwara Hemkunt Sahib expects more than 3,000 yatris this year. The Uttarakhand government has claimed that the approach to Hemkunt Sahib is repaired but board chairman N. S. Bindra has asked yatris to come by four-wheelers and not two-wheelers. Many young pilgrims travel to the Hemkunt Sahib on motorcycles.

“Since the roads over a few stretches are still not in proper condition, it is advised to commute by four-wheelers,” said N. S. Bindra. The board will try to operate chopper and ropeway services between Gobindghat and Ghagaria.