Chamoli (Uttarakhand) [India], May 14 (ANI): In view of the upcoming Hemkund Sahib Yatra, Chamoli collector Himanshu Khurana walked for 18 kilometres and took stock of ongoing preparations on Saturday, for the yatra scheduled to begin on May 20, said an official.

DM Khurana started his inspection from Govind Ghat Gurudwara and reached Hemkund Sahib. During his visit, he also instructed responsible officials to make all the necessary arrangements within the time frame.

He inspected all the arrangements like electricity, water, toilets, cleanliness, and health facilities.

Apart from that, DM also reviewed facilities en route of the yatra like railings, parking, approach roads, bridges, rain shelters, benches and the rescue helipad.

He asked officials to raise hectometre stones and signage in the route for the convenience of pilgrims. He also instructed the Jal Sansthan to start water ATMs in Ghangharia and provide water ATMs near the medical relief post and passenger shed in Bhundar, said an official.

It is to be noted that for now the pilgrimage is covered under eight feet of snow and sites like Laxman Temple and Hemkund Sarovar are also entirely under snow blanket.

The literal meaning of the Hemkund Sahib is “Lake of Snow” and it is the highest Gurudwara in the world with a height of 4633 meters above sea level. (ANI)