Referring to the Chinese military build-up across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the central government told the Supreme Court that if the Army cannot move its missile launchers, heavy machinery up to the northern Indo-China border, then how will it defend it and fight a war, if it breaks out.

The comments from the government came during a hearing by the top court on a batch of petitions against the strategic 900-km-long Chardham project which aims to provide all-weather connectivity to four holy towns —Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath —in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand.

The first plea has been filed by a non governmental organisation against the widening of the roads for the project, citing environmental concerns.

The second one has been filed by the Union Ministry of Defence seeking a modification of the court’s order passed in September 2020, seeking permission to increase the width&nbsp;to 10 metres,&nbsp;

Trying to allay the concerns of landslides in Himalayan regions due to the Chardham highway project construction, the government said all necessary steps have been taken to mitigate the disaster and added that landslides have happened in various parts of the country and not specifically due to road construction.

Attorney General KK Venugopal, appearing for the government, said that these are inhospitable terrains and the Army needs to move heavy vehicles, machineries, weapons, missiles, tanks, troops and food supplies.

“Our Brahmos missile is 42 feet long and needs large vehicles to carry its launchers. If the Army cannot move its missile launchers and machineries up to the northern China border, then how will it fight a war, if it breaks out?”

He added, “God forbid if the war breaks out then how will the Army deal with it if it does not have its weapons. We have to be careful and on guard. We are to remain prepared. Our Defence Minister attended Indian Road Congress and had said that the Army needs disaster-resilient roads?”

Venugopal highlighted that appropriate studies have been undertaken, including geological surveys, morphology, and human activities in the vulnerable areas and steps like slope stabilisation, afforestation, scientific muck disposal have been undertaken.

“Landslides can happen anywhere in the country even where there is no road activity but mitigation steps which are necessary are undertaken. Our roads need to be disaster resilient. There are specialised protection measures undertaken in the vulnerable areas, where frequent landslides occur and heavy snowfall blocks the road?” he said.

The top law officer said that the Indian Road Congress (IRC) has recommended an additional 1.5-meter width in snow-bound areas so that vehicles can move in those areas.

“The build-up on the other side of the border can only be accessed through passes in these mountains. The High Powered Committee (HPC) supervising the Chardham project in its report did not address these concerns of the Army. The HPC report is far cry from the needs of the Army? he said.

He said today there is a situation where the country needs to be protected and all the available resources and forces need to be combined to protect the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

Referring to the Chinese military build-up across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the central government told the Supreme Court that if the Army cannot move its missile launchers, heavy machinery up to the northern Indo-China border, then how will it defend it and fight a war, if it breaks out.

Referring to the Chinese military build-up across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the central government told the Supreme Court that if the Army cannot move its missile launchers, heavy machinery up to the northern Indo-China border, then how will it defend it and fight a war, if it breaks out. The comments from the government came during a hearing by the top court on a batch of petitions against the strategic 900-km-long Chardham project which aims to provide all-weather connectivity to four holy towns —Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath —in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand. The first plea has been filed by a non governmental organisation against the widening of the roads for the project, citing environmental concerns. The second one has been filed by the Union Ministry of Defence seeking a modification of the court’s order passed in September 2020, seeking permission to increase the width to 10 metres, Trying to allay the concerns of landslides in Himalayan regions due to the Chardham highway project construction, the government said all necessary steps have been taken to mitigate the disaster and added that landslides have happened in various parts of the country and not specifically due to road construction. Attorney General KK Venugopal, appearing for the government, said that these are inhospitable terrains and the Army needs to move heavy vehicles, machineries, weapons, missiles, tanks, troops and food supplies. “Our Brahmos missile is 42 feet long and needs large vehicles to carry its launchers. If the Army cannot move its missile launchers and machineries up to the northern China border, then how will it fight a war, if it breaks out?” He added, “God forbid if the war breaks out then how will the Army deal with it if it does not have its weapons. We have to be careful and on guard. We are to remain prepared. Our Defence Minister attended Indian Road Congress and had said that the Army needs disaster-resilient roads?” Venugopal highlighted that appropriate studies have been undertaken, including geological surveys, morphology, and human activities in the vulnerable areas and steps like slope stabilisation, afforestation, scientific muck disposal have been undertaken. “Landslides can happen anywhere in the country even where there is no road activity but mitigation steps which are necessary are undertaken. Our roads need to be disaster resilient. There are specialised protection measures undertaken in the vulnerable areas, where frequent landslides occur and heavy snowfall blocks the road?” he said. The top law officer said that the Indian Road Congress (IRC) has recommended an additional 1.5-meter width in snow-bound areas so that vehicles can move in those areas. “The build-up on the other side of the border can only be accessed through passes in these mountains. The High Powered Committee (HPC) supervising the Chardham project in its report did not address these concerns of the Army. The HPC report is far cry from the needs of the Army? he said. He said today there is a situation where the country needs to be protected and all the available resources and forces need to be combined to protect the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Govt wades into Char Dham road project debate, says Army can’t fight war on inhospitable terrains

After months of closure due to COVID-19 spread, devotees residing in Uttarakhand on Thursday visited the Himalayan temples of Badrinath and Kedarnath to offer prayers.

At Badrinath, as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of coronavirus, the railings of the complex were covered with a cloth. Also, before entering the premises of the shrine, the devotees were screened for coronavirus symptoms by the doctors.

"We were able to offer prayers to the lord easily this year as there is no rush," one of the devotees told ANI.

Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-19148-new-coronavirus-cases-434-deaths-in-24-hours-310084" hreflang="en">India reports 19,148 new coronavirus cases, 434 deaths in 24 hours</a>

This year people have been asked to stay at Joshimath and nearby areas instead of Badrinath.Moreover, in Kedarnath also around 55 devotees were lined up in neat rows to offer prayers to the god.

"Devasthanam Board has started the Chardham Yatra for the people. The police have been deployed and more than 55 devotees have come to visit the temple today," said Superintendent of Police Navneet Singh Bhullar.

"Now the number of travellers have started increasing. Also, along with the police, the SDRF team is also stationed at Sonprayag, Gaurikund, Linchali, Bhimbali and Kedarnath. Pilgrims will be given immediate assistance in case of any problem during the journey," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/preparations-on-for-opening-of-badrinath-dham-portals-on-may-15-295988">Preparations on for opening of Badrinath Dham portals on May 15</a>

Chardham Yatra for Uttarakhand residents began on Wednesday with 422 pilgrims applying for e-passes on the first day to visit the Himalayan shrines.

Due to COVID-19 spread, the pilgrims cannot touch idols at the temples. Even the bells hanging inside the premises have been covered. There will be no prasad distribution also to avoid direct contacting.

After months of closure due to COVID-19 spread, devotees residing in Uttarakhand on Thursday visited the Himalayan temples of Badrinath and Kedarnath to offer prayers.

After months of closure due to COVID-19 spread, devotees residing in Uttarakhand on Thursday visited the Himalayan temples of Badrinath and Kedarnath to offer prayers. At Badrinath, as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of coronavirus, the railings of the complex were covered with a cloth. Also, before entering the premises of the shrine, the devotees were screened for coronavirus symptoms by the doctors. "We were able to offer prayers to the lord easily this year as there is no rush," one of the devotees told ANI. Also read: India reports 19,148 new coronavirus cases, 434 deaths in 24 hours This year people have been asked to stay at Joshimath and nearby areas instead of Badrinath.Moreover, in Kedarnath also around 55 devotees were lined up in neat rows to offer prayers to the god. "Devasthanam Board has started the Chardham Yatra for the people. The police have been deployed and more than 55 devotees have come to visit the temple today," said Superintendent of Police Navneet Singh Bhullar. "Now the number of travellers have started increasing. Also, along with the police, the SDRF team is also stationed at Sonprayag, Gaurikund, Linchali, Bhimbali and Kedarnath. Pilgrims will be given immediate assistance in case of any problem during the journey," he added. Also read: Preparations on for opening of Badrinath Dham portals on May 15 Chardham Yatra for Uttarakhand residents began on Wednesday with 422 pilgrims applying for e-passes on the first day to visit the Himalayan shrines. Due to COVID-19 spread, the pilgrims cannot touch idols at the temples. Even the bells hanging inside the premises have been covered. There will be no prasad distribution also to avoid direct contacting.

Amid COVID-19 spread, devotees offer prayers during Chardham Yatra

Preparations are in their final stage for the opening of the portals of Shri Badrinath Dham on May 15.

Snow has been removed from the temple premises. And the water and power system has been restored. Special attention is also being given to social distancing and wearing masks has been made mandatory, informed Uttarakhand Chardham Devasthanam Board.

The media in-charge of Uttarakhand Chardham Devasthanam Board said that the staff officers of the Devasthanam Board had reached Badrinath Dham for preparations.

Raman Ravinath, the Garhwal Commissioner and CEO of Devasthanam Board, had ordered the preparations.

The Chardham Yatra is expected to begin soon after the nationwide lockdown ends.The portals of Shri Gangotri-Yamunotri Dham`s were opened on Akshaya Tritiya on April 26 and the doors of Shri Kedarnath Dham were opened on April 29.

According to a government advisory, pilgrims are not allowed to visit these religious places in view of the coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

Preparations are in their final stage for the opening of the portals of Shri Badrinath Dham on May 15. Snow has been removed from the temple premises. And the water and power system has been restored.

Preparations are in their final stage for the opening of the portals of Shri Badrinath Dham on May 15. Snow has been removed from the temple premises. And the water and power system has been restored. Special attention is also being given to social distancing and wearing masks has been made mandatory, informed Uttarakhand Chardham Devasthanam Board. The media in-charge of Uttarakhand Chardham Devasthanam Board said that the staff officers of the Devasthanam Board had reached Badrinath Dham for preparations. Raman Ravinath, the Garhwal Commissioner and CEO of Devasthanam Board, had ordered the preparations. The Chardham Yatra is expected to begin soon after the nationwide lockdown ends.The portals of Shri Gangotri-Yamunotri Dham`s were opened on Akshaya Tritiya on April 26 and the doors of Shri Kedarnath Dham were opened on April 29. According to a government advisory, pilgrims are not allowed to visit these religious places in view of the coronavirus outbreak.

Preparations on for opening of Badrinath Dham portals on May 15

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Govt wades into Char Dham road project debate, says Army can’t fight war on inhospitable terrains

Amid COVID-19 spread, devotees offer prayers during Chardham Yatra

Preparations on for opening of Badrinath Dham portals on May 15