Sushma told of concern over new Mansarovar yatra route

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 9

Chief Minister Harish Rawat today met Union Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj in Delhi and informed her about the state’s concerns on start of the new route to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in the country other than the traditional route from Uttarakhand. The Chief Minister asked Swaraj to ensure that the state does not lose its sole right to conduct the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

The Chief Minister pointed out that it was only through the Uttarakhand route that pilgrims come across Chotta Kailash and Om Parwat, which are part of the traditional pilgrimage and thus, the Uttarakhand route holds much of religious significance.

Rawat disclosed that Uttarakhand was trying to reduce the distance of trekking route in the Kailash Mansarovar yatra, which will reduce the total travel time by four to six days. He said two new roads were also being built to facilitate the travel of pilgrims. “The state is also considering the start of Heli service for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims during the rainy season,” he said.

Rawat said regular helicopter service could also be provided to pilgrims from Pithoragarh district headquarters to Nabidhang. He said Uttarakhand was capable of providing better Kailash Mansarovar yatra route to pilgrims other than the newly opened Nathula route from Sikkim.