Authority to regulate Kedarnath yatra

, Sept 4: The Uttarakhand government has decided to constitute an authority to regulate the

yatra and look after reconstruction work in the flood-ravaged town, officials said on Wednesday.

The authority will be constituted on the lines of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.

"The need for a regulatory authority was felt after the June tragedy. It was decided that the number of pilgrims coming to Kedarnath should also be regulated," Shaila Rani Rawat, MLA, Kedarnath, told IANS.

According to government officials, the authority would be based in Guptkashi near Kedarnath.

"The authority will also suggest the reconstruction plan for the pilgrim town that was devastated in the flash floods," the official said.

Questions were raised over unregulated flow of pilgrims and illegal construction in the holy town, following the June disaster when a cloudburst caused flash floods and landslides, resulting in huge loss of life and property in the state.

IANS