The Uttarakhand High Court on Thursday, 16 September has lifted the ban on Chardham Yatra after about three months. Keeping in mind the COVID-19 protocol in place, the court has ordered to start off the Chardham Yatra.

During the hearing, the High Court withdrew the 28 June decision considering the ban on Chardham Yatra. Meanwhile, the Advocate General representing the Uttarakhand government stated that as covid infection is now much under control, the ban on the Yatra should be removed.

While announcing the verdict, the court said only 800 devotees would be allowed at Kedarnath Dham, 1,200 at Badrinath Dham, 600 at Gangotri, and 400 devotees at Yamunotri Dham in a day. Devotees will not be able to take bath in any of the 'Kund'. The government will issue a new SOPs for the devotees.

In view of the ongoing pandemic, the court has ordered a mandatory coronavirus negative report from yatris. The High courty also demanded double vaccination certificate from devotees who are planning to visit pilgrim sites including Badrinath Dham, Gangotri, Kedarnath Dham, and Yamunotri Dham. Moreover, the state government will further issue new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the devotees before they leave for the Yatra.

Earlier on 28 June, the High Court had put a stay on Chardham Yatra due to lack of health services, inadequate preparations to control COVID-19 infection and shortage of doctors.

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