Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand): The district authorities of the Uttarkashi have issued orders to curb the movement of horses and mules in a bid to ensure smooth, safe and peaceful movement of pilgrims on the Shri Yamunotri Dham foot pilgrimage route.
According to the order issued by the District Magistrate of the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, Dr Meherban Singh Bisht, the maximum number of horses and mules going from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri and vice versa has been limited to 800, while the time for the movement of horses and mules is between 4 am to 5 pm
Further, the order puts a complete ban on the movement of horses, mules and sticks beyond the Ghoda Padav in Shri Yamunotri Dham under any circumstances. In case of violation of the order, the accused will be punishable under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Reportedly, this order came after the submission of a joint report by the Sub-District Magistrate (Barkot) Deputy Superintendent of Police (Barkot) and Additional Chief Officer, District Panchayat (Uttarkashi), which highlighted the necessity of crowd control to ensure the safety of pilgrims, lives and property.
"While keeping in mind the narrowness of the dham and the submitted report, the District Magistrate issued this order to ensure smooth and convenient movement on the Shri Yamunotri Dham foot pilgrimage route," said Uttarkashi District Administration.
District Magistrate Dr Meherban Singh Bisht issued an order under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to ensure smooth, safe and peaceful movement of pilgrims on the Shri Yamunotri Dham foot pilgrimage route and has determined the maximum number and time period for the movement of horses, mules and ponies from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri," informed Uttarkashi District Administration.
They further added, "According to the said order, there is a complete ban on the movement of horses, mules and sticks beyond the Ghoda Padav in Shri Yamunotri Dham under any circumstances. If any person violates this order, then his act will be punishable under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code."
The District Magistrate has also directed the concerned department and officers to ensure immediate action regarding compliance with the said order.
