Mon Nov 11 14:23:05 UTC 2024: ## Chardham Yatra Sees Rise in Pilgrim Deaths, Helicopter Travel Poses Biggest Risk
**Dehradun, Uttarakhand:** The annual Chardham Yatra, a pilgrimage to four sacred Hindu temples in Uttarakhand, has seen a slight increase in the number of pilgrim deaths this year, with over 240 fatalities reported due to health-related issues. While the total death toll this year stands at 246, slightly higher than the 242 reported in 2022, it is the helicopter travel to the high-altitude temples that poses the greatest risk.
According to experts, the sudden exposure to harsh weather conditions and oxygen deficiency at high altitudes without proper acclimatization is the primary cause of death among helicopter travelers.
Dr. Pradeep Bhardwaj, CEO of Six Sigma, a medical firm providing services in Kedarnath, highlights the dangers of reaching temples like Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Yamunotri, located above 3000 meters, by air. “Reaching these heights within minutes exposes pilgrims to temperatures they are unaccustomed to, leading to altitude sickness and other health complications,” he explained.
Other factors contributing to the rise in deaths include the challenging terrain, harsh climate, overcrowding, and limited infrastructure.
“The journey is physically demanding, and many pilgrims are elderly or have pre-existing health conditions,” Bhardwaj added. “The combination of exertion, high altitude, and limited medical resources can exacerbate these issues.”
To mitigate the risk, authorities are being urged to increase the availability of medical facilities, provide information on high altitude sickness, and advise pilgrims to undergo health checks before embarking on the journey.
The government is also being urged to limit the number of daily visitors to certain sites to reduce overcrowding and to make first aid kits and health checks mandatory for all pilgrims.
The Chardham Yatra, which attracts millions of pilgrims annually, will end on November 17 with the closure of Badrinath Temple.
First Piper 