• Source:JND
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A special action plan (SOP) for traffic flow has been imposed by the Uttarkashi police to lessen crowding and traffic congestion at the temples and yatra routes. The SOP states that after 8 PM no vehicle is permitted on the Gangotri and Yamunotri yatra roads, and after 11 PM, the yatra is prohibited. No pilgrim will be permitted to travel from Jankichatti to the Yamunotri shrine after 5:00 PM at the same time.

The police have determined certain halts to be made by vehicles on both shrine routes to control traffic flow. According to the SOP released by Arpan Yaduvanshi, the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Uttarkashi, cars bound for Yamunotri Dham are prohibited from proceeding past Damta, Naugaon, Barkot, Dobata, Kharadi, and Paligad after 8 PM. Similarly, cars going to Gangotri won't be sent beyond Nagun, Uttarkashi city, Heena, Bhatwadi, and Gangnani after 8 PM.

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Trekking On Yamunotri Shrine Prohibited At Night

The police have limited mobility at night in order to protect the pilgrims from any emergencies on the hiking path to the Yamunotri temple. No one will be sent on this road after 5 PM, and pilgrims can begin the trek at 4 AM. Dandi-Kandi (baskets and palanquins used to transport pilgrims) and horse-mule rides will be prohibited during this time.

After the Ganga and Yamuna Aartis, no devotee at either shrine will be permitted to remain on the temple grounds for an extended period. Additionally, passenger cars are only allowed to remain in one location for a maximum of two hours.

Many additional plans are being made, such as Dandi-Kandi and horse mules following a rotation system, and if the crowd grows, horses and mules will be dispatched via an alternate route. In the event of an emergency, devotees will have preferential access to the emergency assistance station. Furthermore, pilgrims are permitted to arrive at their lodgings beyond 8 PM by giving information and evidence of room reservation to the police officers stationed at the barriers. Furthermore, travel to both sites will be strictly restricted after 11 PM.

Gate System Imposed On Narrow Stretches

The police have chosen to keep the gate system in place due to traffic congestion at tight passages along yatra routes. A gate system for heavy trucks will be deployed to alleviate traffic congestion on the Yamunotri route between Paligad and Jankichatti, which is 25 kilometres narrow. This rule does not apply to small vehicles. Similarly, on the Gangotri Highway, one-way traffic systems will be implemented on specific parts, such as Gangnani to Dabrani (5 km), Sukki to Jhala (7 km), and Harshil to Jhala (14 km).