Village committees to manage Rudranath temple pilgrimage

In Uttarakhand, village-level eco-development committees will manage the pilgrimage to the Rudranath temple this year. This initiative aims to improve facilities for pilgrims and create job opportunities for local people. Forest officials announced that this is the first time such committees are involved in managing the pilgrimage on a large scale. The Rudranath temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of several sacred sites in the Panch Kedar series. It is located inside the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary, a protected area. The temple will reopen for visitors on May 18. Pilgrims need to walk approximately 20 kilometers to reach the site. Although many pilgrims visit each year, there are often limited accommodations, food options, and trained guides. Past incidents have included pilgrims getting lost in the area. Tarun S, the Divisional Forest Officer, expressed hope that involving village committees will improve the situation this year. He mentioned that trained nature guides will support the travelers. By collaborating with eco-development committees, the forest department aims to enhance local livelihoods and protect the wildlife in the sanctuary. Environment activist Vinay Semwal is helping the forest department with this project. He noted that meetings have been held with village residents since last December. A plan is in place to ensure that the income from pilgrims benefits all local residents through the village-level 'Eco Vikas Samitis.' Devendra Singh, president of the Eco Vikas Samiti in Gwad Gram Panchayat, confirmed that his village has made preparations for the upcoming pilgrimage.