The Uttarakhand high court has directed the state government to revise infrastructure and animal welfare standard operating procedures ahead of the Char Dham Yatra starting April 19. A bench led by Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta and Justice Subhash Upadhyay gave three weeks to address animal cruelty and pilgrim convenience. The court also instructed a committee to hold a meeting to monitor progress.
On April 8, the Uttarakhand high court ordered the state to amend standard operating procedures for the Char Dham Yatra during a public interest litigation hearing. Petitions including one by Gauri Maulekhi highlighted delays in preparations. The bench stated, “As the Yatra is to commence soon, therefore, it is desirable that the amendments in the SOP are carried out positively within three weeks from today.”
The court reviewed an 18-member committee formed on March 16 to prevent animal cruelty and manage logistics. It directed the committee chairperson to convene a meeting within three weeks to implement March 24 decisions and resolve pending issues. The state must file a status report on compliance.
The court expressed concern over delays in constructing an animal infirmary at Kotma in Rudraprayag district. The state mentioned a revised Rs 5.22 crore proposal, but the petitioner suggested a cost-effective design from the Consortium of Architects for Animal Welfare, Scotland. The bench urged consideration of this alternative and a final decision within three weeks.
The yatra portals will open with Gangotri and Yamunotri on April 19, followed by Kedarnath on April 22 and Badrinath on April 23-24. Over 51 lakh pilgrims visited in 2025, straining facilities. The court emphasized safety for pilgrims and animals.
