Rs. 1 lakh insurance cover for Char Dham pilgrims

The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) announced an insurance cover of Rs 1 lakh to be provided to the devotees in case of death on the temple premises of Char Dham located in Uttrakhand.

“This is the first time when insurance cover is being provided to the pilgrims. Letters have been sent to the sub divisional magistrates of Joshimath (for Badrinath), Ukhimath (for Kedarnath), Badkot (for Yamunotri) and Bhatwadi (for Gangotri). They have been asked to inform the committee in case of any mishap on the temple premises. After the report from the SDM concerned, the BKTC will initiate the further course of action,” said Ajendra Ajay, chairman of BKTC. He further informed that this year’s insurance premium has been provided by Manav Utthan Sewa Samiti, a trust run by tourism minister Satpal Maharaj.

“From next year onwards, we aim to increase the scope of the project, and either the committee or the state government will pay for the premium,” the chairman said. He also stated that the insurance has been done through United India Insurance Company Limited in Dehradun.