Char Dham Yatra has come to be known as a risky pilgrimage because at least 23 pilgrims have died en route since the Char Dham Yatra began on May 3 in Uttarakhand. This was primarily owing to cardiac-related illnesses like heart attack, hypertension, or other comorbidities.

Key point:

• Tough terrains, high altitudes and changing weather conditions make the pilgrimage a tough one, especially for senior citizens.
• Those visiting are affected by sudden low temperature, low humidity, increased ultraviolet radiation, low air pressure, and low oxygen levels.
• Due to low humidity, within the first few hours of altitude exposure, water loss also increases, resulting in dehydration.
• The Supreme Court has urged its former Justice AK Sikrito take over as the Chairman of the high-powered committee constituted by it to “consider the cumulative and independent impact of the Char Dham Mahamarg Vikas Pariyojana (Char Dham Highway Development Project) on the entire Himalayan valley”.