Char Dham Yatra:

GS Paper 1:

Topics Covered: Indian culture – salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

Context:

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.

What makes it so difficult?

• 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.

Do you know about the Supreme Court appointed High Powered Committee (HPC) on the Char Dham project?

1. What are the functions of the committee?
2. What is the composition?
3. What’s the environmental concern associated with the implementation of this project?
4. What needs to be done?

Reference: read this.

InstaLinks:

Prelims Link:

1. Overview of the project.
2. Important National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the region.
3. Important rivers flowing through these places.
4. Difference between National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Mains Link:

Discuss the significance of Chardham Project.

Q.1) Which of the following are covered under Char Dham Yatra?

1. Gangotri.
2. Yamunotri.
3. Kedarnath.

Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:

1. 1 and 2 only.
2. 2 and 3 only.
3. 1 and 3 only.
4. All of the above. 

Sources: Indian Express.