Mobiles banned in Kedarnath Temple premises; strict action against reel/video makers

Last year people saw a number of people making reels/videos at the revered Kedarnath Temple. A number of videos went viral on social media, which were seen tampering with the image of the temple committee. So this year, the temple committee has put a complete ban on mobiles and cameras.

For those found making reel//videos, strict action will be taken against them. Mobile phones and cameras will be strictly prohibited within a 30-meter radius of the temple. Devotees won’t be allowed to carry any device related to social media inside the temple.

Vijay Prasad Thapliyal, the Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, emphasised that securing the beauty, devotion and the sanctity of the temple is their first priority. He said, “No pilgrim will be allowed to carry mobiles or cameras within the temple premises. Strict action will be taken against those making reels or videos.”

The yatra is set to begin from May 2. But this time the administration and the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) have made sure that nothing happens inside the temple. The security has been tightened and several other measures are being taken to ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.

The temple committee has also made it clear that if anyone is seen violating these rules, strict action will be taken against them. Police, ITBP personnel, and temple staff will be in charge of enforcing the law within the temple premises. In addition to this, devotees will have to go through an intensive checking throughout the region to ensure that no rules are violated.

Last year incidents

Last year, the committee saw several incidents and viral videos on social media around Kedarnath temple that were tarnishing the image of the temple committee. To make sure similar incidents don’t repeat this year, the committee has made stringent security arrangements.

In order to make security better within the temple, surveillance will be increased in collaboration with the police and administration. ITBP personnel and staff from the temple committee will conduct thorough checks and at the entry, they will check pilgrims for mobiles and cameras. Several barricades have been placed to ensure a smooth surveillance.

In addition to this, the temple committee has also urged pilgrims to follow safety rules and cooperate with the administration in maintaining the temple’s sanctity. They have advised pilgrims to comply with the guidelines issued by the administration before embarking on the yatra.

Final preparations

Now that the Yatra is about to begin, the preparations are in their final stages. Roads are seeing quick makeovers, security has been placed, medical arrangements are done, and health check-up centers are also set up. Ambulances and control rooms will be set up along the route to offer quick assistance in case of emergencies.