Chardham yatra not affected by earthquake: Rawat

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat today said the Chardham yatra routes remained open for public and there was not obstruction because of the high intensity quakes and aftershocks.
Talking to reporters after a ceremony as the door of Badrinath Temple were thrown open for public, he said the pilgrimage remains unaffected and is functioning properly.
"It's a heritage for us and people's faith lies with this pilgrimage. We are contemplating on how to make it better and hassle-free for the devotees," Rawat said.
The Chief Minister also congratulated the people and said the number of devotees turning up for the Chardham Yatra is way more than expected which has boosted the morale even more.

"We have put our best efforts to make the arrangements efficient. The route from Pandukeshwar to Badrinath is a bit challenging but I want to assure the people that the Yatra will not be affected by that. The yatra will be completely secure and I have appointed my highest officials for this task...," he said.
Earlier in the morning, Rawat performed holy rituals along with thousands of devotees as the door of the Badrinath Temple was thrown open for public.

He also met many pilgrims from across the country and abroad and took feedback on the arrangements.
Rawat has asked all district officials to provide immediate report if there has been any loss or damage due to the earthquake adding that proper action should be taken to stay vigilant from an earthquake.

While expressing grief for the people who died in Nepal and India after this calamity, he hoped for early recovery of those who are injured.