Rawat for making Lipu Lekh route hospitable for pilgrims

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 26

Against the backdrop of the Government of India opening the second route through Nathu La Pass for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from 2015, Chief Minister Harish Rawat on Saturday said the government would initiate making the Lipu Lekh Pass in Uttarakhand, which was the only route in use till 2014, more hospitable for pilgrims.

“There is an opportunity for us here. I think we should take the responsibility of improving roads and making the yatra more comfortable for pilgrims on this route. It is believed that Lord Shiva used the same route to visit Ma Nanda. We could offer facilities in a subsidised manner and also develop Om Parbat for pilgrimage,” he said while speaking with mediapersons. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will commence on June 8.

He said the government was also working on developing the pilgrimage to Jageshwar (Almora) and Madhmaheshwar (Rudraprayag) temples on the lines of the Char Dham Yatra. “We will be keen to bring in facilities and arrangements as those for the Char Dham Yatra. It ill boost tourism,” Rawat added.

Harish Rawat said the government would focus on putting into motion the second part of the plan. “We have been able to start the Char Dham Yatra by improving routes and providing minimum facilities to pilgrims. From May, our focus will shift to ensuring all-weather roads that can be used throughout the season,” he added.

He said it would require money as retaining walls had to be built at two or three places to prevent erosion being caused by the Bhagirathi. “We will require money from the Centre for constructing mini townships at Bhimbali and Gaurikund and retaining walls at Kedarpuri and in Kedarnath,” he added.