Chardham Yatra 2023: Amid the rise in COVID-19 cases across the country, the Uttarakhand government on Wednesday (April 19) issued a health advisory for Char Dham Yatra pilgrims. The Char Dham Yatra will start from April 22 this year. The guidelines issued by the government state that all pilgrimage sites are located in the high Himalayan region, with an altitude of more than 2,700 meters above sea level.
Travelers to those places can be affected by extreme cold, low humidity, extreme ultraviolet radiation, low air pressure, and low oxygen content. Hence the guidelines (health advisories) should be followed for smooth and safe journey for all the pilgrims. The Secretary of the State Health Department, Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar, has issued an advisory for the devotees in view of the increasing effect of Corona and the weather in the high Himalayan region.
Thorough health check-up before proceeding for the journey
Some of the guidelines issued by the government include a thorough health check-up before commencing the journey, people with pre-existing ailments should carry an adequate supply of prescribed medicines along with prescriptions and contact details of their respective physicians.
For senior citizens and people with co-morbidities or those suffering from COVID-19, the government advises to postpone or not undertake the pilgrimage. “Senior citizens, people with comorbidities, and those who had suffered from COVID-19 in the past should consider postponing or not undertaking the pilgrimage,” the advisory said.
For patients suffering from heart disease and other
Patients suffering from heart disease, respiratory disease, diabetes and high blood pressure should take extra precautions while traveling to high altitude. People experiencing symptoms such as headache, drowsiness and nausea during travel are advised to seek immediate medical attention. “If you notice symptoms like headache, dizziness, drowsiness, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, cough, rapid breathing and increased heart rate, please seek medical attention immediately or contact helplines 104 and 108 for assistance.” Do,” the guideline added.
People experiencing symptoms such as headache, drowsiness and nausea during travel are advised to seek immediate medical attention. The government said, “If you notice symptoms like headache, dizziness, drowsiness, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, cough, rapid breathing and increased heart rate, please seek medical help immediately or call 104 for help and Contact 108 helpline.” health advice.
“Avoid consumption of alcohol and other intoxicants and refrain from smoking. Also keep yourself well hydrated and avoid traveling on an empty stomach,” the advisory said. Further giving information about National Ambulance Service, it has been said in the advisory, ‘Helpline number in case of emergency [108 – National Ambulance Service and 104- Uttarakhand Health Helpline] Can be contacted.”
About Char Dham Yatra
The Char Dham Yatra begins on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya on 22 April. The doors of Kedarnath Dham will open on 25 April and Badrinath Dham on 27 April. Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. This pilgrimage is a journey to four holy sites – Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri – located high in the Himalayas.