'200 pilgrims die during first 2 months of Char Dham yatra'
Dehradun: Two hundred pilgrims have died due to health complications during the ongoing Char Dham yatra since it began on April 19, according to data from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) under the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority. Most of the deceased were in the 55-75 ag
By Shivani Azad
Dehradun: Two hundred pilgrims have died due to health complications during the ongoing Char Dham yatra since it began on April 19, according to data from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) under the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority.
Most of the deceased were in the 55-75 age group.Of the total deaths, 94 were reported on the route to Kedarnath, followed by Badrinath (62), Yamunotri (26) and Gangotri (18), the data showed.According to the SEOC bulletin, around 37 lakh pilgrims have visited the Char Dham shrines during the ongoing pilgrimage season.
Health experts said the rise in pilgrim footfall has also led to an increase in health-related emergencies, particularly among elderly pilgrims and those with pre-existing medical conditions.Director (medical health) Dr Shikha Jangpangi of the department of medical health and family welfare said, "Pilgrims are advised to follow the health advisory before undertaking the pilgrimage.
Our teams on the yatra route screened 7,54,573 pilgrims, of whom 27,599 were found to have co-morbidities.
Around 840 pilgrims were shifted by ambulance, while 102 were provided air ambulance services."Health officials said many pilgrims who fell ill during the yatra were diagnosed with High-Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE), a potentially life-threatening condition caused by rapid ascent to high altitudes.
Authorities have urged pilgrims to undergo a thorough medical examination before starting the journey."We urge pilgrims to carry adequate warm clothing and prescribed medicines, and to plan their journey in a way that allows sufficient time for acclimatisation.
The pilgrimage covers shrines located at different altitudes and across varied terrain and weather conditions.
Proper acclimatisation helps the body adjust to these changes and reduces the risk of altitude-related illnesses," Dr Jangpangi said.Doctors deployed along the yatra route said the increasing number of children being brought on the pilgrimage was also a concern. "Sudden cardiac deaths among young people, which are being reported in different settings, are also being seen during the yatra.
Pilgrims should assess their health before undertaking the journey, as the shrines are located at altitudes of 10,000ft and above," a medico said.Stay updated with the latest Dehradun news.
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