Not written in Vedas: U'khand CM on no live streaming of Char Dham Yatra

Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced that the government has decided not to hold live streaming of Chardham Yatra as it is not written in the Vedas.

The decision has been taken after considering all the suggestions. "We are also going to file an affidavit in the High Court in this regard," he said.

Previously, Uttarakhand High Court extended the stay on the Char Dham Yatra till July 28 after it intervened in the state cabinet's decision permitting the pilgrimage with a limited number of pilgrims.

In the first order, the High Court ordered live streaming of Char Dham shrines. In view of COVID-19 and poor health preparedness, the decision of the government was put on hold by High Court.

"After taking into account all the suggestions, we have decided not to hold live streaming of Chardham Yatra as it is not written in the Vedas. We are also going to file an affidavit in the High Court in this regard," Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said.

Significantly, the Uttarakhand government decided to cancel the Kanwar Yatra this year in light of the pandemic while Supreme Court on Friday directed Uttar Pradesh government to reconsider its decision to permit the same. The Court has asked the Adityanath government to inform the bench about it on Monday or the top court will go ahead and issue an order. 

As for the Kanwar Yatra ban in Uttarakhand, here are some points to know:

Haridwar police informed that the borders of the state will remain sealed so that the Kanwariyas cannot come to Haridwar.

Quick Reaction Team (QRT) of the police will be deployed. Mobile teams of police have also been formed to reach the spot.

There will be no Kanwar market this year.

Uttarakhand government has allowed states to take 'Ganga jal' from Haridwar in water tankers.

If Kanwariyas are seen on the road, they will be sent back by bus or other means of transport.

Those arriving in Haridwar by train will be asked to de-board at stations before the city and will have to return in buses.

Any devotee defying the order to enter Haridwar, can be put under forced quarantine for 14 days.

The Kanwar Yatra, in which Shiva devotees from northern states travel on foot or by other means to collect water from Ganga in Haridwar to offer it at Shiva temples in their areas, is slated to begin from July 25.