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New Indian Express
01-06-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Uttarakhand High Court bans night-time use of horses, mules on Kedarnath route
DEHRADUN: In a landmark decision aimed at protecting animals essential to the Kedarnath pilgrimage, the Uttarakhand High Court has ordered a strict ban on the use of horses and mules between sunset and sunrise on the Char Dham Yatra route. The directive seeks to raise animal welfare standards and streamline the operational management of the high-altitude pilgrimage. Acting on the High Court's order, district authorities have announced that no horse or mule will be allowed to operate on the Kedarnath trail before dawn or after dusk. Officials have issued a stern warning to all operators, stating that any violations of the new regulations will invite swift and stringent action. According to sources in the Char Dham Yatra division, thousands of horses and mules form the backbone of the Kedarnath Dham pilgrimage. These animals are widely used to transport devotees and essential goods to the shrine, which is located in a remote and rugged region of the Himalayas. The latest restrictions come after a series of troubling incidents and health concerns involving the animal population. Earlier this year, a widespread infection among the equine population prompted the Animal Husbandry Department to suspend horse and mule operations temporarily. Concerns peaked soon after the Char Dham Yatra began on April 30, when at least 20 horses and mules reportedly died along the Kedarnath route in just the first few weeks. While the government officially confirmed 16 deaths, the toll raised alarms over the welfare of the animals and led to a temporary 24-hour suspension of equine services. Dr. B.V.R.C. Purushottam, Secretary of Animal Husbandry, reaffirmed the government's commitment to animal safety. "The health and welfare of these animals are paramount, as is the safety of the pilgrims," he stated, adding, "We are keeping a vigilant eye, and any attempt to defy the court's directive will be met with immediate and stringent action." He further went on to say that the department's actions were based on complaints regarding Equine Influenza virus among the animals. "This court-mandated curfew will further contribute to their well-being and the smooth conduct of the Yatra."
New Indian Express
06-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Horse, mule deaths on Kedarnath route during Char Dham Yatra prompt 24-hour ban; spark animal welfare concerns
DEHRADUN: Days after the Char Dham Yatra began on April 30, the deaths of at least 20 horses and mules on the Kedarnath route have raised serious concerns over animal welfare, prompting authorities to impose a 24-hour ban on equine operations. The fatalities occurred swiftly after the beginning of the pilgrimage season, raising immediate concerns about animal welfare. Although the government has confirmed only 16 deaths, the incident has sparked widespread worry. Dr BVRC Purushottam, Secretary of Animal Husbandry, rushed to Rudraprayag following the reports and held a review meeting with the district administration. Speaking to this newspaper, Dr Purushottam confirmed the reason behind the temporary halt. "The Animal Husbandry Department has taken this decision following complaints of the Equine Influenza virus in the animals," he said. Pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra, including senior citizens and those with difficulty walking, often rely on horses and mules to navigate the steep mountain climbs. Dr Purushottam provided an update on the situation concerning equines on the route, including screening efforts and planned investigations into recent deaths. Secretary Purushottam further said, "A team is coming from the Government of India. Since April 4, we have screened 16,000 horses and mules. In 26 days of sero sampling, 152 of these have been found positive. The cause of death for the horses will be known after the team from the Government of India arrives and investigates."
