Pithoragarh:
The first batch of Kailas Mansarovar yatra pilgrims on Wednesday proceeded to Gunji camp after being stuck for three days at Bundi camp due to inclement weather, ITBP sources said.
Barring two pilgrims, who complained of chest pain, the batch left today for Gunji camp. Meanwhile, the second batch of pilgrims is still trapped at Almora camp of Kumaon Mandal Vikash Nigam which is the nodal agency for the yatra, the sources said.
The decision to allow the first batch to proceed to Gunji camp was taken as it has better medical facilities compared to other camps on the route, ITBP officers said.
"Proceeding to Gunji camp does not mean that the pilgrimage will continue," Kedar Singh Rawat, an ITBP officerat Gunji camp said.
"The two pilgrims from Gujarat, Retesh and Kritika Pandya, remain at Bundi camp as they complained of chest pain," Rawat said. "A meeting is under progress in the External Affairs ministry to decide the fate of this year's Kailas Mansarovar yatra.
It will be only after the meeting that a decision will be taken on it," the ITBP commandant said. Citing the recent report of survey team sent by ITBP to study the condition of yatra route beyond Bundi camp, the ITBP officer said the way is severely damaged on the track route.
"We have conveyed our findings to the Government of India, the rest will depend on their decision," Rawat said. According to the survey by ITBP and civil administration, the 17-km-long route at Kali river on the way has become highly risky for pilgrims as the river has swollen, covering the track.
Govt cancels Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for batches 2 to 10
The government also cancelled the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra of batches 2 to 10 due to torrential rains and flood in Uttarakhand that have caused heavy damage to the route.
The road between Almora and the road-head at Tawaghat has been washed away at several places and some major bridges have also been damaged. Walking trails beyond Tawaghat have also suffered badly due to landslides at several places.
