Dehradun, August 15, 2013: Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, which happens once in 12 years and was scheduled for August 29, has been cancelled, said State Assembly Deputy Speaker Anusuya Prasad Maikhuri here on Wednesday.

Many roads and bridges on the yatra path were damaged in the mid-June disaster . Considering the safety of the pilgrims, the yatra will be conducted on an appropriate date in the coming years, Mr Maikhuri said.

“The yatra [which was to commence on August 29 and end on September 16] will take place in August in the coming years,” Mr Maikhuri said.

Looking at the state of roads and the bad weather, many key contributors including the devotees backed out from the yatra. Also, relief and rehabilitation work being the priority, the State Government was unable to contribute to the yatra preparations. Considering the suggestions of all the parties involved in the preparations of the yatra including the State Government, it was decided that the yatra should not take place this year due to the adverse conditions in the State.

Mr. Maikhuri said, “Many roads and bridges connecting the 19 stops of the yatra were severely damaged [in the mid-June disaster].”

These 19 stops are spread across the 280 km on the yatra route .

Nanda Devi Raj Jat Samiti, which organises the yatra, had finished the major preparations for the yatra. The State Government had given Rs.150 crore for building and maintenance of roads, drinking water and medical facilities for the pilgrims.

Though major part of the money was utilised in the yatra preparations, the remaining sum will be used to finish the preparations needed for the yatra to take place in the coming years, Mr Maikhuri said.

Before the mid-June disaster, it was estimated that around 5 lakh pilgrims would join the yatra every day.

Now that the yatra has been cancelled, an appeal has been issued for the locals to conduct prayers at the temples on the yatra route .

Source: The Hindu, DT. August 15, 2013.