Amid fears of a possible third wave of Covid-19, the Uttarakhand government has suspended the Kanwar Yatra even as neighbouring Uttar Pradesh is pressing ahead with the annual ritual that sees a heavy movement of pilgrims across states in the northern belt.  Uttarakhand’s decision to suspend the yatra comes even as the administration in Uttar Pradesh has started preparing for the yatra “with restrictions”.

At a meeting held yesterday (July 13) with top officials of the administration and police, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami discussed apprehensions of a possible third wave of Covid-19, the recent detection of the Delta Plus variant in the state, and the experience of other countries that have witnessed a resurgence of Covid cases. Sources said the government also sought the view of experts before arriving at the decision to cancel the yatra.

On the other hand, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to ensure that only a minimum number of people should participate in the annual Kanwar Yatra and strict implementation of Covid protocols, particularly social distancing, must be ensured. In view of the pandemic, Adityanath has directed that Kanwar Sanghs should be requested for the participation of a minimum number of people in the yatra.

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