New Delhi/Dehradun: The Uttarakhand High Court on Monday ordered a stay on the decision of the state cabinet to permit local pilgrims of the four famous Himalayan shrines to participate in the Char Dham Yatra on July 1.
Taking note of the present situation especially the Delta Plus variant and the possible third wave which can be fatal for the children, the division bench of Chief Justice RS Chauhan and Justice Alok Verma said the Yatra should not be allowed.
"In case the Delta Plus variant is permitted to play havoc with the lives of our children, the nation is bound to lose part of its next generation. Such an apocalypse would adversely affect the growth of the country," the bench stated.
Observing Cabinet's decision as "impractical if not foolhardy", the bench said it was not satisfied with the preparedness of the state government, especially regarding the healthcare facilities and status of Covid inoculation in the region.
On June 25, the state cabinet had decided to open the yatra for the residents of three districts within the Garhwal region where the four revered Himalayan shrines are located.
While the Kedarnath shrine is in Rudraprayag district, Badrinath shrine is in Chamoli district, Yamunotri and Gangotri shrines are in Uttarkashi district. (UNI)