Himachal Pradesh minister recommends temporary closure of Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra after deadly cloudburst
Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vikramaditya Singh has proposed a temporary closure of the Shrikhand Yatra in view of the recent cloudburst incident, which caused massive damage to the pilgrimage route. The devastating incident led to a massive surge in water flow across the region, badly damaging all the passes leading to the Shrikhand Mahadev peak.
Shimla, August 03:Â Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vikramaditya Singh has proposed a temporary closure of the Shrikhand Yatra in view of the recent cloudburst incident, which caused massive damage to the pilgrimage route. The devastating incident led to a massive surge in water flow across the region, badly damaging all the passes leading to the Shrikhand Mahadev peak.
Minister Singh expressed his concerns and suggestions on social media, stressing the need for a temporary halt to ensure safety and assess the damage. His post received a variety of responses from people.
One of the commenters, Ujjwal Jagita, suggested that the route be closed permanently. Another user shared his strong opinion, saying, “It’s good that someone has raised the issue. The Shrikhand Yatra should not just be suspended; it should be banned altogether. Mostly drug addicts and alcoholics take part in this yatra. It has turned into a picnic spot. Earlier, the yatra used to happen without any mishaps as people who took part in it followed the rules and had faith and devotion. Nowadays, it’s all about ostentation, show-off and vulgarity.”
Meena Sikander Thakur also expressed a similar opinion and advocated for a permanent ban on this. She said, “People have turned Himachal’s holy places into centres of fun and frolic and we, the residents here, are participating in this for our own benefit. Those who will benefit from this will suffer many losses. If this is not stopped, such tragedies will continue.”
Thakur Vodh Raj raised concerns about drug abuse during the yatra and suggested medical tests for the participants to stay away from drugs. He said, “Sir, I suggest medical tests at the last stop of the yatra. Anyone who has consumed drugs in the last three days should not be allowed to proceed for Mahadev’s darshan. We saw that 70% of the people who go there come after consuming drugs. We also saw people cooking meat on the way. If such activities continue at the holy place, won’t Mahadev destroy it? We met many people who were more interested in trekking than darshan. Society needs to understand that this place is Shiv Dham. Its sanctity is our worship.”
However, not all reactions were in favour of stopping the yatra. Kiran Pandit supported the continuation of the pilgrimage, stressing the importance of strict laws to maintain the dignity, safety and hygiene of the holy places. Pandit said, “Only those holy souls who have the blessings of Bholenath can visit these places, not everyone can undertake the pilgrimage. So we don’t think stopping the pilgrimage is the right decision. Strict laws should be implemented to maintain the dignity, safety and hygiene of the holy places. No undesirable activities should take place at the holy places.”
Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash, also known as Shikhar Kailash, is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site in the Nirmand sub-division of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. It is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and is one of the toughest treks in India. It is one of five separate peaks, collectively known as Panch Kailash or “Five Kailashes”, with a 75-foot Shivalinga at the top of Shrikhand Mahadev mountain, located at an altitude of 18,570 feet.
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