NGT Urges Uttarakhand to Hasten Carrying Capacity Framework for Char Dham Pilgrimage
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a directive to the Uttarakhand government, pressing for an expedited process to assess and implement a carrying capacity for the revered Char Dham pilgrimage sites. These sites include Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. This order comes just ahead of the annual yatra, which is scheduled to commence on April 19, highlighting the urgency of addressing long-standing environmental issues.
State's Response and Tribunal's Directives
On Tuesday, the state government informed the NGT's principal bench that a draft report on the carrying capacity will be submitted within a week. In response, the tribunal has mandated the state to file a detailed progress report at least one week before the next hearing, set for July 21. Additionally, the NGT emphasized that the applicants must be given an opportunity to be heard during the consultation process, ensuring transparency and inclusivity.
Background of the Petition and Environmental Concerns
The directive stems from a petition filed in 2023 by Urvashi Shobhna Kachari and Shashikanth Purohit, which raised significant environmental concerns. These include unregulated pilgrim footfall, vehicle limits, and inadequate waste management at the four sacred sites. The tribunal's order has once again brought to light a critical issue that has remained unresolved for years, underscoring the need for sustainable tourism practices.
Historical Context and Previous Attempts
In May 2022, the Uttarakhand government introduced pilgrim limits at the shrines in an effort to mitigate environmental damage. However, these limits were withdrawn less than a year later in April 2023 following protests from stakeholders associated with the yatra, such as temple committees and local businesses. Since then, with no cap in place, the NGT has repeatedly urged the state to establish a scientifically determined carrying capacity. The tribunal has pointed out that without such a ceiling, accountability in the event of a disaster remains a pressing, unanswered question.
State's Proposed Actions and NGT's Critique
In its response affidavit dated April 2, the state government outlined key decisions from a meeting chaired by the chief secretary on March 24. These decisions include circulating the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) report to concerned departments, publishing summaries in newspapers by district magistrates, and consulting with stakeholders like temple committees, hotel associations, transport operators, and other local groups. The state had initially sought six months to complete this comprehensive exercise. However, the NGT observed that such a duration is not reasonable, stressing the necessity for expeditious action to protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
The tribunal's firm stance highlights the ongoing tension between pilgrimage tourism and environmental conservation in Uttarakhand. As the Char Dham yatra approaches, all eyes are on the state's ability to balance religious sentiments with ecological sustainability, ensuring the long-term preservation of these sacred sites.
