Crackdown on Feedback Sparks Row as Char Dham Yatra Starts Slow Due to Early Opening
Dehradun: Even as the ongoing Char Dham Yatra witnesses a relatively slower start this year due to its early opening, a fresh controversy has erupted over action being taken against those pointing out gaps in its management.
The Dehradun-based SDC Foundation has raised serious concern over reports of legal notices and action against individuals flagging mismanagement during the Yatra, calling the move “deeply alarming” at a time when honest feedback is crucial.
Foundation founder Anoop Nautiyal said targeting voices highlighting on-ground issues is counterproductive.
He urged Pushkar Singh Dhami to immediately stop such action and instead focus on fixing gaps in systems. “Don’t fix the messengers, fix the system,” he said bluntly.
The remarks come amid data showing that the first-week footfall in 2026 stands at 2.38 lakh pilgrims, significantly lower than 3.98 lakh in 2024 and 2.93 lakh in 2025. However, Nautiyal clarified that the dip is largely due to the Yatra starting much earlier this year.
Shrines like Gangotri Temple and Yamunotri Temple opened on April 19, followed by Kedarnath Temple on April 22 and Badrinath Temple on April 23—much earlier than previous years.
This has reduced the cumulative operational days in the first week to 21, compared to 22 in 2025 and 26 in 2024. “Fewer days mean fewer pilgrims—it’s simple math,” Nautiyal explained, adding that when adjusted, the 2026 numbers are about 81% of 2025 levels, indicating no real drop in interest.
Still, the bigger concern, he stressed, is the growing discomfort around criticism. “A pilgrimage of this scale demands transparency, accountability and course correction. Suppressing concerns will only deepen mistrust,” he warned.
The Foundation said factors like weather, infrastructure readiness, accessibility and administrative coordination will shape the Yatra in the coming weeks, and early trends should not be seen in isolation.
For now, the spotlight has clearly shifted—from footfall numbers to how criticism is being handled on the ground.
#CharDhamYatra
#Uttarakhand
#YatraMismanagement
#PushkarDhami
#PilgrimSafety
