Rishikesh: As the Kanwar Yatra 2026 begins during the ongoing monsoon season, AIIMS Rishikesh Executive Director Dr. Meenu Singh has urged pilgrims to take essential health precautions to prevent monsoon-related illnesses and ensure a safe pilgrimage.
Speaking to ANI, Dr. Singh advised devotees to stay well-hydrated, eat clean and hygienic food, and maintain personal hygiene throughout their journey. She also highlighted the increased health risks associated with heavy rainfall, including digestive illnesses, mosquito-borne diseases, and road accidents.
Dr. Singh emphasized that proper hydration is crucial during the pilgrimage, especially for devotees walking long distances.
She advised pilgrims to:
- Drink adequate amounts of clean drinking water.
- Use Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) when necessary.
- Avoid dehydration during prolonged travel.
- Seek medical attention if symptoms of serious illness develop.
According to her, dehydration is one of the common health concerns faced during long journeys in humid weather. AIIMS Rishikesh also urged pilgrims to be cautious about the food they consume while travelling.
Dr. Singh recommended:
- Eating freshly prepared meals.
- Maintaining hand hygiene before meals.
- Avoiding contaminated or unhygienic food.
- Drinking safe and clean water.
She noted that poor food hygiene can increase the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses such as:
- Indigestion
- Diarrhoea
- Gastroenteritis
She also advised against taking antibiotics without proper medical consultation, unless prescribed after appropriate diagnosis. The advisory highlighted that the monsoon season creates favourable conditions for several infectious diseases.
Dr. Singh warned about:
- Dengue
- Viral hepatitis
- Scrub typhus
- Typhoid
- Mosquito-borne illnesses
She explained that stagnant water following rainfall can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the likelihood of disease transmission.
Pilgrims were encouraged to take preventive measures and seek medical care if they experience persistent fever or other concerning symptoms. Apart from health precautions, AIIMS Rishikesh also stressed the importance of road safety.
Dr. Singh observed that many pilgrims travel by motorcycles and cars, and warned that monsoon conditions can significantly increase accident risks due to:
- Damaged roads.
- Traffic congestion.
- Reduced visibility.
- Speeding during adverse weather.
She appealed to devotees to drive responsibly and prioritise safety throughout the pilgrimage. AIIMS Rishikesh stated that it has strengthened emergency preparedness for the Kanwar Yatra.
According to Dr. Singh, the institute has:
- A Grade 1 Trauma Centre equipped to handle serious emergencies.
- Access to heli-ambulance services when required.
- Emergency trauma care facilities.
- Telemedicine consultation services.
- First-aid posts along the pilgrimage routes for minor injuries and musculoskeletal issues.
These arrangements are intended to provide timely medical assistance to pilgrims during the yatra. The advisory emphasizes that simple preventive measures can significantly reduce health risks during large religious gatherings.
Pilgrims are encouraged to:
- Stay hydrated.
- Wash hands regularly.
- Consume hygienic food.
- Follow official health advisories.
- Seek medical help promptly if unwell.
These precautions can help ensure a safer and healthier pilgrimage experience.
