PTC Web Desk: A dedicated team of 25 Indian Army personnel has arrived at Gurdwara Govindghat to begin snow-clearing operations and trail preparations for sacred Sikh pilgrimage site, Gurdwara Sri Hemkund Sahib. Situated at an altitude of approximately 15,000 feet, gurdwara sahib will open its doors to sangat on May 25.
The Army will officially commence its service work from April 19, after acclimatising to the high-altitude conditions at Govind Dham. Prior to the operation, the Army conducted a reconnaissance (reiki) of the area. According to the survey,
the Atalakoti Glacier is covered with nearly 30 feet of snow. The small Atalakoti Glacier has about 10 feet, while the vicinity of Hemkund Sahib is under 8 to 10 feet of snow. The 6-km route from Govind Dham to Hemkund Sahib is blanketed with 2 to 7 feet of snow.
As per Narendrajit Singh Bindra, president of Hemkund Sahib Trust, official Hemkund Sahib Yatra 2025 would begin on May 22 from Gurdwara Rishikesh, led ceremonially by Panj Pyare. It is estimated that snow clearance and infrastructure preparation may take three weeks to a month, which is why the Army team has started a month in advance.
The team, currently stationed at Govindghat, will trek 13 km to Govind Dham on April 18 and spend a day adjusting to the climate before heading to Hemkund Sahib.
Bindra confirmed that a bridge near Gurdwara Govindghat, which was damaged by a landslide, is being reconstructed. The new bridge will have a 30-tonne capacity and is expected to be completed shortly. This vital infrastructure is being restored rapidly with active support from Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who has assured full government backing for facilitating the yatra.
- PTC NEWS
