80 pilgrims died during Uttarakhand Chardham Yatra, died due to health related reasons:

News Topical, Digital Desk : Char Dham Yatra 2025: It has been more than a month since the Char Dham Yatra started. Meanwhile, lakhs of people have reached to perform the Char Dham Yatra. So far 80 pilgrims have died during the Char Dham Yatra, out of which 71 pilgrims have died due to health related reasons. Many of those who died were elderly and already ill pilgrims who had a previous medical history.

According to the data, about 80 passengers have died in 36 days since the start of the Yatra, but most of them are already sick passengers. Most of these deaths have occurred in Kedarnath Dham, a major reason for these deaths is believed to be Altitude Sickness. This disease can also be called altitude sickness, about which very few people have information.

What is Altitude Sickness?
Altitude Sickness is a physical condition that occurs due to lack of oxygen in the body when going to high altitude. As a person climbs to a higher place, the air pressure and the amount of oxygen present in it decreases. Due to this, the body does not get enough oxygen and starts having difficulty in breathing. This disease affects more people who live especially in the plains and living at high altitude is a new experience for their body.

According to the data, the maximum number of deaths during the Char Dham Yatra have occurred in Kedarnath Dham (34), Badrinath Dham (16), Yamunotri Dham (12) and Gangotri Dham (9). Apart from this, 9 pilgrims have died due to other reasons. However, the state government and the health department claim that this year the medical facilities are better than before, but despite this, many pilgrims above 50 years of age set out on the Yatra without the necessary health checkup, due to which the incidents are increasing.

What are the symptoms of this disease?
The symptoms of Altitude Sickness depend on the individual's stamina, age and speed of climbing. Usually its symptoms start appearing on the first or second day of reaching the altitude. Some common causes of this disease include headache, nausea and vomiting, lack of appetite, sleeplessness, fatigue and weakness, dizziness and difficulty in breathing.

Why does Altitude Sickness occur?
When a person climbs rapidly to a height of 8 thousand feet or more above sea level, the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere decreases significantly. The body needs time to adjust to the altitude, but when this process happens fast, the body struggles for oxygen and symptoms start appearing

This disease mostly affects people above the age of 50 years, such as those already suffering from heart or respiratory diseases, high blood pressure or diabetes patients, those who are going to high altitudes for the first time, people who are extremely obese or physically weak.

There are some remedies for this disease by which you can protect yourself-

1- Climb slowly Do not climb more than 300-500 meters every day.
2- Let the body acclimatize Take some rest after reaching the height, so that the body gets time to adjust to the environment.
3- Drink enough water Avoid dehydration, which keeps the body's capacity better.
4- Avoid heavy food, eat light and easily digestible food.
5- Get a health check-up Consult a doctor and get a health test done before the journey.
6- Get down immediately if symptoms appear If any serious symptoms are seen, then returning down without delay is the best option.

Char Dham Yatra is a sacred and spiritual experience, but it should be done with utmost caution and responsibility. Altitude Sickness is a reality that cannot be ignored, the government and the health department are trying their best, but pilgrims should also give priority to their health. Religious faith is important, but a healthy body is even more important, so travel with preparation and stay safe.