Uttarakhand Government Cracks Down on Misinformation Regarding Char Dham Yatra

The Uttarakhand government has intensified its efforts to combat misinformation regarding the Char Dham Yatra, registering three FIRs against those spreading false claims on social media. Recent actions include monitoring platforms for misleading content and addressing baseless allegations about pilgrimage arrangements. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to take strict legal measures against offenders, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the Yatra and protecting the state's image. The government aims to ensure that pilgrims have a smooth experience while countering any attempts to create confusion or fear among the public.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 24, 2026, 11:38 IST

Uttarakhand Takes Action Against Misinformation

File image of the Kedarnath Temple (Photo: @patnaikjonty/X)

Dehradun, April 24: The government of Uttarakhand has ramped up efforts to combat the spread of false and unverified information regarding the Char Dham Yatra on social media, leading to the registration of three FIRs to date.

Officials reported that two new FIRs were filed in Rudraprayag district concerning the dissemination of misleading content, bringing the total number of cases to three.

This initiative follows ongoing surveillance of social media platforms, where certain videos and reels were identified as containing inaccurate claims about the arrangements at Kedarnath Dham.

Authorities noted that some posts falsely claimed that pilgrims were being denied access to "darshan," forced to endure queues of up to 15 hours, and that there was insufficient police presence and crowd management. Officials dismissed these assertions as unfounded and not representative of the actual circumstances.

They emphasized that pilgrims are being accommodated in a controlled and phased manner, with adequate arrangements in place to facilitate smooth "darshan."

The government expressed concern that the spread of such misinformation was intended to create public confusion, harm the reputation of the Char Dham Yatra, and instill unnecessary fear and distrust.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has instructed officials to take prompt and stringent legal measures against individuals disseminating misinformation or rumors related to the pilgrimage.

He has also mandated continuous monitoring of social media platforms to identify those responsible for such content.

Legal actions have commenced against the operators of the identified social media accounts, and additional suspicious videos and digital content are under examination, with further actions anticipated.

The state government reiterated its commitment to not tolerate any attempts to undermine the sanctity of the Char Dham Yatra, offend the sentiments of devotees, or damage Uttarakhand’s reputation, ensuring strict actions against those accountable.