Gangotri (Uttarakhand), 26 Jun 2007
Gangotri, the point of origin of river Ganga in Uttarakhand, attracts a large number of pilgrims and tourists from far and wide.
The pilgrims return from Gangotri spiritually rejuvenated. The tourists would like to stay there longer, but there are no facilities for their stay.
The poorly maintained roads and inadequate facilities are a deterrent to visiting the place more often or recommend it to others.
Travelling through the road is risky. There are no embankments along the roads. This is true of most the roads in the region.
Ramesh Chandra Semwal, President of five temples committee, said:
‘The irrigation authorities have been reminded many a times about the urgent need to build proper banks and parking for pilgrims but to no avail. Foreigners come here and there is a risk of getting swept away. ‘
Authorities, however, keep saying that work is ‘about to begin’ for the construction of embankments.
Prakash Pant, Minister of Tourism, Uttarakhand says: ‘The tourism department has been granted money for the construction of banks and the work is expected to start soon. Efforts are also being made to provide a parking slots and basic amenities at the pilgrimage centres. ‘
About eight million pilgrims visit the four major shrines – Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Will their prayers for better roads get a response?
Hotels in Gangotri
News Source: http://www.newkerala.com
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