HC issues notice to Uttarakhand govt over death of horses, mules during Chardham Yatra

Nainital: The Uttarakhand High Court, while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the case related to death of horses and mules during Chardham Yatra, has issued notices to the state government including district magistrates of Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts and directed them to respond within two weeks.

Along with this, the court has also asked to constitute a committee to run the yatra safely. The court has fixed June 22 for hearing the matter.

The issue of death of animals during yatra has been challenged by Gauri Maulekhi through a public interest litigation.

On behalf of the petitioner, the court was told that more than 20,000 horses and mules are used to carry the luggage of the pilgrims in Chardham. Most of these horses are sick and are being overburdened.

There are no veterinarians for the treatment of these animals, and there is no proper arrangement for fodder, water and thatch.

The petitioner also said that the horses and mules which are dying on the yatra route are being thrown into the local rivers, polluting the water. (UNI)