After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, the tourism-based states have made special arrangements for the safety of tourists. In this episode, Uttarakhand Police has deployed a six-member Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) team in Ghangharia, located near the Valley of Flowers, to monitor the movement of tourists in this inaccessible area and the popular Sikh pilgrimage site Hemkund Sahib, located nearby. Let us tell you that this is the first time such deployment has been done in this area.
Chamoli Superintendent of Police (SP) Sarvesh Panwar told the media, “The ATS team has been posted in Ghangharia, which is the main point for those going to the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. Helping to make. “
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Let us tell you that the deployment of ATS is part of a comprehensive security strategy in Uttarakhand, which has been made in view of the attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. Although the authorities have not confirmed any direct threat or intelligence information from Chamoli district (where the Valley of Flowers is located and which is bordering China), surveillance has been increased on major tourism and religious places across the state as a precaution.
Let us tell you that the security system on Char Dham sites – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath has also been tightened, where senior police officers are monitoring mob control, security of pilgrims and traffic management. At the same time, the police is also keeping an eye on social media and is also supporting about 1,700 Kashmiri students living in Uttarakhand. The government’s effort is to maintain public system and no rumor spreads.
Let us tell you that the Valley of Flowers is a national park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has reopened to tourists on 1 June. Located at an altitude of 9,000 feet above sea level in Chamoli, the garden is open from June to October and is known for its alpine flora. The valley, declared a national park in 1982, has more than 600 plant species, including Brahmakamal (Uttarakhand’s state flower), aster, delphinium, Himalayan Blue Poppy, Rannulus and Potentilla. This valley is world famous for its colorful flowers, green grasslands and snow-covered hills. This valley is not only a paradise for natural lovers, but also a center of attraction for trekking enthusiasts and also for those interested in botany.
This valley is spread over an area of about 87.5 sq km and has more than 600 types of floral species. The valley of flowers opens for tourists every year from June to October, as the valley is closed after this due to heavy snowfall. In the months of July and August, the flowers here are completely blossomed and the valley wears a sheet of colors. To reach the valley of flowers, passengers have to reach Govindghat by road. After this, Ghangharia is reached by a trek of about 13 kilometers, which is considered to be the base camp of the valley. The distance from Ghangharia to the valley is about 3-4 kilometers, which is covered on foot.
Let us also tell you that Hemkund Sahib is located near the Valley of Flowers, which is a major pilgrimage site of Sikhs. It was opened to devotees on 25 May and thousands of pilgrims arrive here every year. Let us also tell you that the valley of flowers is located in a sensitive eco-zone. Stringent rules are applicable here to control plastic, noise and congestion.