In a tragic turn of events, 14 mules have died on the Kedarnath trek in the first three days of the Char Dham Yatra, prompting the Uttarakhand government to take immediate action.
| Photo Credit: ANI
New Delhi
In a tragic turn of events, 14 mules have died on the Kedarnath trek in the first three days of the Char Dham Yatra, prompting the Uttarakhand government to take immediate action. The State has called in an expert team from the ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, to investigate the cause of the deaths and prevent further incidents.
In an effort to contain the potential spread of infection among the animals, the State government announced the suspension of mule services on the Yatra route on May 6. The decision comes after the deaths of eight horses on May 3 and six on May 4, raising serious concerns among both pilgrims and animal welfare activists.
Speaking to The Hindu, BVRC Purushottam, Secretary of the Animal Husbandry Department, explained that all horses and mules transporting pilgrims to the Kedarnath temple are being closely monitored. “We are conducting thorough health checks on the animals to detect any signs of illness. Any animal showing nasal discharge will be immediately withdrawn from service,” he stated.
Sources said investigations suggest that the deaths may be linked to equine influenza, a highly communicable disease. Earlier this year, cases of equine influenza were reported, leading to the screening of 16,000 horses and mules. However, while 152 animals tested positive in sero-sampling, their RTPCR tests for the virus returned negative results, leaving the cause of the deaths uncertain.
Despite concerns over the potential spread of the disease, Purushottam clarified that the symptoms observed in the dead animals do not appear to align with typical equine influenza symptoms. He emphasised that the final analysis will be conducted by the expert team from the National Research Centre. “While the deaths are unusual, we do not intend to suspend the Yatra. We are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of both animals and pilgrims,” he affirmed.
Historically, some mule deaths have been reported during the annual Yatra, with an average of four to five fatalities each year. However, this year’s spike in numbers has raised alarm. Similar concerns were raised in 2010, when the Yatra was temporarily halted following a rise in mule deaths. Authorities have reassured that the Yatra will continue this year, albeit with enhanced safety measures.
The Char Dham Yatra, which began on April 28 with the opening of the Gangotri temple, saw the portals of the Kedarnath temple open on May 2. Over 4,300 horse and mule operators, along with 8,000 animals, have registered for the pilgrimage routes to Kedarnath and Yamunotri, with many pilgrims opting for animal transport due to the arduous 18-km trek from Gaurikund to the Kedarnath temple.
With the suspension of mule services, the State authorities are closely monitoring the situation and remain committed to ensuring that the Yatra proceeds safely, with all necessary precautions in place to protect both pilgrims and animals.
Published – May 06, 2025 07:23 pm IST
