Dehradun Authorities Ban Mobile Phones in Badrinath and Kedarnath Temples
Officials in Dehradun have taken a firm step to address congestion at two major Himalayan shrines. On Saturday, authorities ordered a complete ban on mobile phones inside the premises of the Badrinath and Kedarnath temples.
Addressing Pilgrim Queue Delays
The decision aims to prevent delays caused by devotees stopping to take photographs. Officials observed that many pilgrims capture pictures and selfies immediately after offering prayers in the sanctum sanctorum. This practice significantly slows down the movement of queues. It increases waiting times for other devotees who wish to complete their darshan.
Garhwal divisional commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey chaired the crucial meeting. The gathering took place at the Rishikesh transit camp office. Pandey directed district authorities to implement the ban effectively. He emphasized the need for proper arrangements outside the temple premises.
Creating Safe Storage Facilities
Commissioner Pandey issued clear instructions for the temple committees. "It is the responsibility of the Badri Kedar Temple Committee to ensure that devotees do not face inconvenience," he stated. Pandey added that dedicated facilities must be created near the temples. These facilities will provide safe storage for mobile phones deposited by pilgrims.
The authorities plan to establish designated counters or lockers. Devotees can leave their devices there before entering the sacred areas. This system aims to maintain the spiritual atmosphere while ensuring security for personal belongings.
Stricter Measures Following Previous Bans
This new rule represents a stricter enforcement of existing regulations. In 2024, the government had already banned photography and selfies within a 50-meter radius of the Char Dham shrines. However, officials noted that the problem persisted despite that earlier order.
The continued issue of pilgrims using phones for photos prompted this more comprehensive measure. By completely prohibiting mobile phones inside the temple premises, authorities hope to eliminate the root cause of the delays. This approach should ensure smoother pilgrim movement and reduce waiting times significantly.
The Badrinath and Kedarnath temples attract millions of devotees annually. Managing the large crowds requires constant attention to logistics and visitor behavior. This mobile phone ban represents the latest effort to improve the pilgrimage experience for everyone involved.
