Uttarakhand: Insurance Coverage Worth ₹10 Crore for Char Dham Pilgrims; Tourism Minister Hands Over Check to CM Dhami

With the safety of devotees during the Char Dham Yatra in mind, the Manav Utthan Sewa Samiti has once again secured a collective accident insurance policy worth ₹10 crore for pilgrims this year. Under this insurance scheme, a protective cover will be provided to devotees undertaking the pilgrimage to the four holy shrines (Char Dhams).

Satpal Maharaj, the Minister for Tourism, Religious Affairs, and Culture, handed over the cheque for the insurance premium amount to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. This insurance policy has been procured through the Shri Badrinath-Shri Kedarnath Temple Committee, facilitated by United India Insurance Company Limited.

Under this scheme, an insurance cover of ₹2.50 crore has been allocated for each of the four shrines. In the event of incidents such as stampedes within temple premises, natural disasters, acts of God, or acts of terrorism occurring during the pilgrimage, financial assistance of ₹1 lakh will be provided to each affected devotee.

According to experts, the Char Dham Yatra—conducted in high-altitude regions, particularly at Kedarnath Dham—entails elevated health risks; every year, numerous devotees face respiratory, cardiac, and other health-related complications during the journey. In this context, the insurance scheme serves as an additional layer of protection for the pilgrims.

Government and religious institutions have also issued appeals urging pilgrims to undergo a health check-up prior to the journey, carry necessary medications with them, and strictly adhere to the instructions issued by the administration.

Hemant Dwivedi, Chairman of the Shri Badrinath-Shri Kedarnath Temple Committee, and BJP youth leader Suyash Rawat were also present during the event.