NGT Urges Swift Action on Char Dham Carrying Capacity Ahead of Yatra Season
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a directive to the Uttarakhand government, emphasizing the need to expedite the process of assessing and implementing a carrying capacity for the revered Char Dham pilgrimage sites. This order, which comes just ahead of the yatra scheduled to commence on April 19, targets the four sacred destinations: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
State's Response and Tribunal's Directives
On Tuesday, the state government informed the principal bench of the NGT 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, scheduled for July 21. Additionally, the NGT has stressed that applicants must be given an opportunity to be heard during the consultation process to ensure transparency and inclusivity.
Background of the Petition and Environmental Concerns
This directive stems from a petition filed in 2023 by Urvashi Shobhna Kachari and Shashikanth Purohit, which highlighted significant environmental issues. The petition raised alarms over unregulated pilgrim footfall, vehicle limits, and inadequate waste management at the four sites, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable tourism practices.
The tribunal's order has once again brought to light a long-standing concern that has remained unresolved for years. In May 2022, the state government had introduced pilgrim limits at the shrines, but these were withdrawn less than a year later in April 2023 following protests from stakeholders associated with the yatra. Since then, with no cap in place, the NGT has repeatedly pressed the state to establish a scientifically determined limit. The tribunal has pointed out that in the absence of such a ceiling, accountability in the event of a disaster remains a critical, 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 actions include:
- Circulation of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) report to concerned departments.
- Publication of summaries in newspapers by district magistrates to inform the public.
- Consultation with stakeholders such as temple committees, hotel associations, transport operators, and other local groups.
The state government had initially sought six months to complete this exercise. However, the NGT observed that such a duration is not reasonable, given the pressing environmental and safety concerns. The tribunal emphasized the need for expeditious action to protect the fragile ecosystems of the Char Dham sites and ensure the well-being of pilgrims.
This development underscores the ongoing tension between religious tourism and environmental conservation in Uttarakhand, with the NGT playing a pivotal role in pushing for sustainable solutions ahead of the upcoming pilgrimage season.
