Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Niharika Tomar said on Tuesday that the government has strengthened security and management arrangements at Kedarnath Dham during the pilgrimage season.She said there is a complete ban on the use of mobile phones, drones or any cameras inside the temple.“The gates of Kedarnath Dham will be opened at 8 am on April 22. The ‘Doli’ (palanquin) has already arrived here, followed by a large number of devotees. As per the guidelines issued this time, any kind of video or filming is prohibited within the temple grounds.” The use of mobile phones is also prohibited within our limits,” SP Tomar told ANI.The official further said that the temple administration has also set up a system of mobile counters and lockers.SP Niharika Tomar said, “I appeal to all devotees to refrain from any kind of filming or video recording inside the temple to maintain the dignity and sanctity of the temple.”“Besides this, flying drones without permission is also prohibited here. Today, we have taken action against two drones flying without permission. This will continue in future as well. Therefore, I request and appeal to all, for the safety and sanctity of Dham, not to engage in such unauthorized activities,” the official said.The government urged devotees to abide by the rules and help preserve the sanctity of the temple buildings.As the Char Dham Yatra officially begins on April 19 (Akshaya Tritiya), a record number of pilgrims have gathered at the base camp.Despite the festive atmosphere, authorities are still advising worshipers to bring heavy woolen items with temperatures still near freezing due to recent snowfall.As the sun rises on April 22, the reverberation of conch shells and the chants of “Kedar Baba Ki Jai” will mark the end of a six-month winter hiatus as one of India’s holiest pilgrimage sites reopens to the world.
