Uttarakhand Promotes Winter Char Dham for Tourism Boost

Why in the news?

Uttarakhand launched the winter Char Dham circuit to attract tourists during off-season months, aiming to boost the economy, shift perceptions of seasonal tourism, and promote nearby destinations while addressing environmental and safety concerns.

Uttarakhand Promotes Winter Char Dham for Tourism Boost

About the Launch of Winter Char Dham:

  • On December 8, Uttarakhand inaugurated the winter Char Dham circuit to boost off-season tourism.
  • The Char Dham shrines—Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—are inaccessible during winter due to snowfall.
  • Presiding deities are moved to lower-altitude winter abodes:
    • Gangotri: Mukhba (Uttarkashi)
    • Yamunotri: Kharsali (Uttarkashi)
    • Kedarnath: Omkareshwar Temple (Ukhimath, Rudraprayag)
    • Badrinath: Pandukeshwar (Chamoli)
  • By December 30, these winter shrines recorded 15,314 visitors.

Economic and Perception Shifts

  • Char Dham contributes significantly to Uttarakhand’s economy, generating over ₹200 crore daily in peak season.
  • The winter Char Dham aims to position Uttarakhand as a year-round tourist destination, moving beyond the summer-only perception.
  • Tourism Secretary Sachin Kurve emphasized promoting lesser-known nearby destinations to attract more visitors.
  • The initiative also seeks to capitalize on “sun tourism,” targeting travelers escaping North India’s winter smog.

Environmental and Safety Concerns

  • Environmentalists caution against over-commercialization and its impact on fragile ecosystems and local infrastructure.
  • Increased winter traffic could disturb wildlife, including snow leopards and mountain sheep, as highlighted in the SC-appointed High Powered Committee report.
  • Experts stress the importance of sustainable practices, effective management, and addressing safety risks in harsh mountain terrain.

About the Char Dham Yatra:

  • About:
  • Pilgrimage circuit in Uttarakhand covering Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
  • Undertaken in a clockwise sequence: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath.
  • Significance:
  • Cleanses sins and leads to spiritual salvation.
  • Holds religious and mythological importance in Hinduism.
  • Season:
  • Conducted from April/May to November.
  • Involves trekking through high-altitude terrains.
  • Economic Impact:
  • Boosts Uttarakhand’s economy and local employment.
  • Promotes cultural tourism.

Char Dham Project

  • Objective:
  • Infrastructure initiative to improve connectivity to Char Dham.
  • Boosts tourism, trade, and employment.
  • Benefits:
  • Enhances safety for pilgrims.
  • Strengthens disaster management and military operations in border areas.

This initiative, while promising for tourism, must balance economic goals with ecological and safety considerations.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times