Kailash Manasarovar Yatra cancelled amid Covid surge

The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra which is held annually has been called off for the second consecutive year, due to the surge in coronavirus cases.

Nainital (Uttarakhand): The world-famous Kailash Manasarovar Yatra has been cancelled this year due to the Covid pandemic. Last year too, the yatra was suspended due to Covid first wave.

According to Ashok Kumar Joshi, the GM of Kumaon Mandal Development Corporation, 2000 passengers register every year for the journey, adding that about 1080 passengers are selected for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after medical examination, which brings in a revenue of over Rs 56 lakhs for the Kumaon Mandal Development Corporation.

The GM also said that the decision to hold Kailash Mansarovar Yatra initially was taken following a meeting held by the Ministry of External Affairs, ITBP, Government of Uttarakhand, including the KMVN and concerned department officials. All preparations for the yatra were completed by the Kumaon Mandal Development Corporation. However, now the decision to cancel the Yatra has been taken following a massive surge in Covid-19 cases, he said.