Rudraprayag: The Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has issued a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for VIP darshan at Kedarnath Temple. Under the new arrangement, special darshan slips for VIP visitors will now be issued directly by the temple committee on payment of a ₹1,100 contribution per person.
The decision has been taken in view of the rising number of pilgrims visiting Kedarnath and suggestions received at the local level. The temple committee said the revised system aims to reduce the impact of VIP movement on regular devotees while ensuring an organized and time-bound darshan process for protocol visitors.
According to an order issued by BKTC Chief Executive Officer Sohan Rangad, special darshan slips will be provided only on the basis of protocol information received from the state government through the district administration or the temple committee. Pilgrims availing the facility will receive an official receipt after depositing the prescribed amount.
The committee has clarified that state guests and their family members will remain exempt from the fee. Officials have also warned that any violation of the revised SOP will invite action against the concerned personnel.
The move comes amid repeated concerns over crowd management at the VIP entry gate of Kedarnath Temple. Large numbers of devotees have been gathering near the VIP route, leading to congestion and instances of pushing and jostling. The temple committee expects the new system to streamline the darshan process and improve crowd control during the ongoing pilgrimage season.
