Kedarnath Yatra known for being one of the most sacred Char Dhams (Chardham Yatra of Uttarakhand) will soon be known for dark tourism destination as well. The government is trying to promote this revered spot on the lines of 9/11 memorial (took place in Mumbai) and Ground Zero in New York (World Trade Centre), and other similar sites in France, Italy, Czech Republic, and Ukraine.
To promote Kedarnath as ‘Dark Tourism’, tourists will be travelling to places that were worst affected during the 2013 tragedy. Recently, State Tourism and Culture Minister announced this development and also mentioned that a ‘Smriti Van’ (memorial forest) will also be developed, which will have details of all those who lost lives during 2013 tragedy. Referring to this development, the tourism minister further said that this memorial will be important for the state and people visiting Kedarnath as it will explain to people everything related to the tragedy that took place in 2013.
Kedarnath Yatra to turn into a dark tourism destination in the coming days
The minister also stated that the state government will also be signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mauritius Government to promote tourism between the two regions. The decision was made after Jagdish Govardhan, High Commissioner of Mauritius to India, along with Uttarakhand Satpal Maharaj visited the Char Dham .
The step taken by the government to promote the Chardham Yatra is highly appreciable. It will not only increase the interest of the tourism but also make them remember of the worst situation which was faced by Uttarakhand in Kedarnath. The town suffered extensive destruction during June 2013 from flash floods caused by torrential rains in Uttarakhand state. The Annual Char Dham Yatra resumed in May 2014, after remaining suspended since the outbreak of 2013 Uttarakhand floods.