Srikakulam, June 22, 2013: Many travel agencies were failing to create awareness among pilgrims about weather conditions and precautionary measures to be taken up during Char dham yatra in Uttarakhand, leading to death even after returning safely from the pilgrimage, some pilgrims said. The agencies and organisers were also not able to give proper advice to the tourists about the natural calamities and risks involved in the yatra.

Three pilgrims from Srikakulam town — B. Sanjeeva Rao (55), Bevara Varalamma (51) and M. Lakshmi (8) — died a couple of weeks ago. Sanjeeva Rao died in Uttarakhanad and Varalamm and Lakshmi died in Srikakulam after developing serious health problems. They went to Uttarakhand in the last week of May and came back in the second week of June, 2013.

As many as 350 pilgrims who returned safely two days ago after facing ordeal in Uttarakhand are approaching doctors with different health problems. Govinda Rao, a traveler from Srikakulam district, said that it was a miracle for them to return safely after being stranded for four days near Joshi Math, 30 km from North Kasi. Family members heaved a sigh of relief after the pilgrims from Kanchili, Sompeta, Hiramandalam and other areas reached their villages safely. According to travel experts and doctors, the tourists should get a checkup of their fitness before and after the tour in hilly areas where respiratory and heart problems would occur due to weather conditions. The pilgrims were advised to take care even after returning home safely since their body could not adjust immediately to different weather conditions.

Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences General Hospital superintendent R. Aravind said fitness of the senior citizens should be checked up thoroughly before taking up the yatra. “The travel agencies should guide the travellers to approach doctors before going to Uttarakhanad and other Himalayan regions. Apart from understanding the health tips, it is better to carry a medical kit to get first aid immediately in case of emergency,” he added. According to senior physician Sampath Kumar, people with respiratory problems, high blood pressure etc. should avoid travelling in hilly regions.

Source: The Hindu