Fresh questions have emerged over the functioning of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) after the alleged controversy surrounding temple donation funds. This time, concerns have been raised over the whereabouts of two high-tech ambulances and one Tempo Traveller that were donated to the committee for the benefit of pilgrims but are reportedly missing from Badrinath.
According to available information, a donor gifted BKTC a fully equipped ambulance in 2018 to strengthen emergency medical services for pilgrims visiting Badrinath Dham. During the period of the Char Dham Devasthanam Board, another donor reportedly provided a second advanced ambulance for the same purpose.
Both vehicles were intended to provide immediate medical assistance during emergencies at the shrine. However, local sources claim that neither ambulance has been seen operating regularly in Badrinath. The issue gained further attention after an RTI application seeking details about the vehicles reportedly did not receive a clear response regarding their present status or utilization.
Questions have also been raised over a Tempo Traveller donated in 2010 by the late Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati. The vehicle was meant to transport elderly, differently-abled and physically challenged pilgrims from the Badrinath bus stand to the temple premises, reducing the hardship of walking long distances.
Local sources allege that instead of being used for pilgrim services, the vehicle was utilized for administrative and official purposes over the years. It is also claimed that the Tempo Traveller was taken from Badrinath to Dehradun in June for the movement of officials and staff and is currently not available at the shrine.
Responding to the matter, BKTC Chief Executive Officer Sohan Singh Rangar said he was not aware of the donated ambulances and would collect details regarding their status. Regarding the Tempo Traveller, he stated that the vehicle had developed a technical fault and was sent to Dehradun for repairs. He added that its current location would be verified.
The development comes at a time when BKTC is already facing public scrutiny over financial management issues. The latest questions are likely to intensify demands for greater transparency and accountability in the management of assets donated for the welfare of pilgrims.
