Uttarakhand Government Issues New SOP for Operation of Equine Animals on Kedarnath, Yamunotri, Hemkund Sahib and Adi Kailash Yatra Routes
Major step to ensure pilgrim safety, smooth travel and welfare of horses and mules
Dehradun, May 27, 2026.
The Uttarakhand Government has issued a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the operation of equine animals, including horses and mules, on the pilgrimage routes of Kedarnath, Yamunotri, Hemkund Sahib and Adi Kailash. The new guidelines have come into immediate effect with the objective of ensuring safe, smooth and well-organized pilgrimage management while prioritizing the welfare and protection of animals.
According to the government order issued by Additional Secretary Santosh Badoni to the Director of Animal Husbandry, the SOP has been framed in compliance with the directions of the High Court of Nainital and the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Under the revised system, the carrying capacity of different pilgrimage routes has been fixed. A maximum of 5,000 equine animals will be permitted on the Kedarnath route, around 1,050 on the Hemkund Sahib route and approximately 595 animals on the Yamunotri route.
The SOP makes registration mandatory for all horses and mules operating on the pilgrimage routes. Prior to registration, every animal must undergo health screening, glanders testing, ear tagging and microchipping. The health certificate will remain valid for only 45 days, after which re-examination will be compulsory. Operation of unregistered animals has been completely prohibited. Annual registration will be conducted by the district administration and district panchayats.
Giving top priority to animal welfare, the government has directed that clean and lukewarm drinking water, fodder and electrolytes must be made available at every one-kilometre interval on the routes. The use of lightweight and waterproof saddles has also been emphasized to prevent injuries and physical stress to the animals. CCTV cameras will be installed near water troughs and sensitive locations, while designated officers and veterinary doctors will monitor compliance.
The new SOP strictly prohibits overloading animals, employing sick or injured animals for work, operating without tokens, beating animals, forcing them to run at high speed and tampering with ear tags or microchips. Any violation under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita will result in cancellation of the owner’s license, blacklisting and registration of an FIR.
During the pilgrimage season, every animal must remain accompanied by an authorized handler (hawker). Animals found unattended or abandoned will be immediately seized and legal action will be initiated. Each animal owner will be allowed to operate a maximum of two equine animals, and only one token per day will be issued.
The SOP also states that operation of horses and mules will remain completely prohibited after sunset and before sunrise. Tokens will only be issued between 6:00 AM and 12:00 noon. Operations will be suspended immediately during adverse weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, hailstorms or snowfall.
Permanent and temporary veterinary facilities will be established along the pilgrimage routes with deployment of veterinary doctors and para-veterinary staff. A 24×7 infirmary facility will be available for treatment and care of sick, injured or abandoned animals. Scientific disposal of carcasses of dead animals and videography of postmortem examinations have also been made mandatory.
Under the new arrangement, the government has also directed the formation of a “Mule Task Force,” establishment of additional check posts, night patrolling, digital record-keeping systems and regular monitoring mechanisms. Separate 24×7 helplines will be established for quick resolution of complaints related to animal cruelty. District-level animal cruelty prevention committees will also conduct regular review meetings to monitor the use and welfare of animals on the pilgrimage routes.
The state government has instructed all concerned departments to ensure strict implementation of the SOP so that the Char Dham and Adi Kailash pilgrimage routes remain safe, humane, well-regulated and balanced for both pilgrims and animals.
