Rudraprayag/Ukhimath, April 18 – An 18-member advance team of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) departed for Shri Kedarnath Dham on Friday under the direction of BKTC Chief Executive Officer Vijay Prasad Thapliyal. The team, led by Assistant Engineer and Officer-in-Charge Girish Dewali, began its journey from the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath.
According to a press release by BKTC media in-charge Dr. Harish Gaur, the advance team will undertake essential preparatory works at Kedarnath Dham. These include repairs in the temple’s outer premises, improvement of the queuing system, water supply, electricity, sanitation, painting, and beautification. The team will also ensure the setup of rain shelters for pilgrims.
The advance party comprises engineers, supervisors, warehouse in-charges, electricians, plumbers, volunteers, cleaners, laborers, and other support staff. It marks a crucial step in preparation for the annual pilgrimage season, with the temple scheduled to open on May 2. Lord Kedarnath’s Panchmukhi Doli will begin its journey from Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath on April 28 and reach Kedarnath by the evening of May 1, stopping at traditional halts along the way.
Earlier, on April 7, BKTC’s advance team had already reached Badrinath Dham to initiate similar preparatory activities.
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The advance team flagged off from Ukhimath in the presence of Senior Administrative Officer and Kedarnath Officer-in-Charge Yaduveer Pushpwan, priests Shivshankar Ling, Bagesh Ling, and Kuldeep Dharmwan. Upon reaching Gaurikund, the team was welcomed by manager Kailash Bagwadi. After offering prayers at the Gauri Devi temple, the team proceeded on foot toward Kedarnath Dham and is expected to reach the shrine by late evening.
