Gangotri Temple Committee Approves Entry Restriction
The Shri Gangotri Temple Committee has decided to bar non-Hindus from entering Gangotri Dham in Uttarakhand. Members took the decision unanimously during a meeting held on Sunday. According to ANI, the restriction will also cover Mukhba village, which serves as the winter seat of Goddess Ganga. Temple officials said the step aims to protect the religious sanctity of the shrine. They also stressed the need to preserve age-old traditions at one of Hinduism’s holiest pilgrimage sites.
Ban Proposal Sent for Badrinath and Kedarnath
Meanwhile, Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee chairman Hemant Dwivedi said the panel has sent a proposal to extend the ban. The proposal seeks to restrict non-Hindu entry at Badrinath and Kedarnath dhams. It also covers all temples under the committee’s control. Dwivedi said the board will discuss the proposal at its next meeting. If approved, the move would expand entry restrictions across major Char Dham sites in the state.
Haridwar Ghats Also Under Review
At the same time, the Uttarakhand government is reviewing demands to restrict non-Hindu entry at Haridwar ghats. Haridwar covers nearly 120 square kilometres and has 105 ghats. These include the famous Har-ki-Pauri. Reports say seers and the Ganga Sabha raised the demand. The Ganga Sabha manages Har-ki-Pauri and oversees religious activities there. The state is also considering declaring Haridwar and Rishikesh as “Sanatan Pavitra Shehar,” or sacred Hindu cities.
Government Assures Consultation, Opposition Reacts
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the government will consult all stakeholders before deciding. He said officials will also review laws linked to religious places. Dhami added that temple committees and pilgrims will share their views. However, opposition leaders criticised the move. Former chief minister Harish Rawat accused the BJP of inventing new issues. He claimed the government lacks a serious agenda. Meanwhile, locals have raised concerns over livelihoods. Many non-Hindus rely on tourism-linked work at these pilgrimage centres.
