By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Six more pilgrims died during the Chardham pilgrimage in Uttarakhand in the past 48 hours taking the total number of such deaths to 176 since Apr 18, the day when the yatra began.
With Uttarakhand witnessing a surge in tourist and pilgrim rush during the peak summer season, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has stressed for better coordination, effective communication, and systematic management for making the pilgrimage safer and more successful.
Deaths due to health complications and drowning incidents have raised concerns across the state especially during the Chardham yatra season.
In the latest incident, three pilgrims including a woman identified as Kusum Namdev Langade (67) of Chandrapur in Maharashtra died in Kedarnath area during the past 24 hours due to heart and breathing problems. Eighty-five pilgrims have died so far in the Kedarnath yatra route alone this yatra season.
Three pilgrims also died in Badrinath area during the period taking the total number of such deaths in Badrinath region to 53.
The Chardham Yatra has recorded a total of 176 deaths so far since its commencement on April 18 with officials attributing all but one fatality to pre-existing health conditions. Authorities said many pilgrims, particularly those above 50 years of age, undertake the demanding pilgrimage despite medical advisories against travel. A record 29.85 lakh pilgrims have so far visited the Chardham shrines.
Kedarnath has reported the highest number of deaths at 85, followed by Badrinath 53, Yamunotri 22 and Gangotri 16. Three non-health-related death occurred recently.
Apart from the pilgrimage circuit, several fatalities have been reported from other popular tourist destinations. Nearly two dozen people have drowned in the Ganga at different locations in Haridwar and Rishikesh over the past two months.
Officials have urged pilgrims and tourists to follow safety advisories, undergo health check-ups before undertaking high-altitude journeys and exercise caution near rivers and water bodies during the busy summer season.