Officials stated that the restriction will help pilgrims perform darshan with complete devotion and focus, without distractions. The decision was taken at a high-level review meeting on Char Dham Yatra preparations held at the Char Dham Yatra Transit Camp, chaired by Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey. Senior officials, including the Garhwal Inspector General, district magistrates, and department heads, attended the meeting.
Explaining the decision, Pandey said repeated incidents involving mobile phone usage for content creation had led to conflicts, adversely impacting the dignity of the shrines. As per the new rule, mobile phones will not be allowed beyond the Singhdwar area in Badrinath, while phones will be completely prohibited inside the temple premises of Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
The Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), along with district administrations, will arrange secure mobile deposit facilities for devotees before shrine entry.
During the meeting, Pandey also announced that Char Dham Yatra management funds will be released to districts by February, with instructions to fast-track urgent infrastructure works. Highlighting past footfall, officials noted that over 5.6 million pilgrims visited the Char Dham in 2023, reflecting the yatra’s growing scale.
Authorities expressed confidence that the mobile phone ban will ensure a peaceful, disciplined, and spiritually enriching Char Dham Yatra this year.
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