DEHRADUN: In an effort to enhance the safety and accessibility of the Kedarnath pilgrimage, efforts are underway to develop the Toshi-Triyuginarayan-Kedarnath route as an alternative pathway.
16-member team, led by Colonel (Retd.) Ajay Kothiyal, the Chief Minister's special advisor, has conducted a ground survey of this ancient route, which dates back to the Pandava era.
During discussions, the team expressed confidence that this alternative route is completely safe from landslides and subsidence, positioning it as a potentially ideal option for future pilgrims visiting Kedarnath.
Colonel Kothiyal, speaking to this newspaper, highlighted the historical importance of the "Kedarnath-Toshi-Triyuginarayan footpath," which, according to several team members, has strong connections to the Pandavas.
Col Kothiyal revealed some fascinating findings from the recent survey. "The survey exposed stone formations, including cut stones, historically quarried in the area," he said. "Conversations with elders from Toshi and Triyuginarayan confirmed that the Pandavas sourced stones from this region for the Kedarnath temple's construction, shaping and transporting them along this very path."
Leading the survey team, Col Kothiyal stressed that the route is entirely secure and does not require a hefty budget for its development. "Had this route been developed earlier, thousands of lives would have been spared during the 2013 Kedarnath disaster," he added.
The team is set to submit a comprehensive report to the state government and Chief Minister, outlining the current status and future potential of the Kedarnath-Toshi-Triyuginarayan pedestrian route as a viable alternative.
This year’s Char Dham Yatra faced significant disruptions due to frequent landslides and route blockages, which led to intermittent delays.
As a result, the number of pilgrims visiting Kedarnath dropped to 16.52 lakh, a significant decrease from last year’s figure of 19.61 lakh.
"We've been forced to reevaluate our strategy for uninterrupted yatra operations," Col Kothiyal stated. "The Kedarnath-Toshi-Triyuginarayan track emerges as the safest alternative route for future pilgrimages." He highlighted the urgent need for a reliable backup route in light of the substantial decline in pilgrim numbers.
Col Kothiyal stressed the importance of developing alternative routes to Kedarnath. "We must prioritise the Kedarnath-Toshi-Triyuginarayan and Chaumasi-Kham Bugyal-Rekadhar-Kedarnath alternative routes," he urged, in response to the current challenges faced by the yatra.
In August, a team of four youths from Triyuginarayan and Toshi also conducted a survey of the route. Team members Geetaram Semwal, Poornanand Bhatt, Manavendra Gairola, and Ashish Rana confirmed that "The route is completely safe and has relatively easier climbs."
With the development of these alternative routes, it is hoped that the Kedarnath pilgrimage will become safer, more accessible, and less prone to disruptions.