Dehradun, Oct. 29 -- As this year's Char Dham Yatra inches close to its conclusion, at least 159 people have lost their lives during the pilgrimage with majority deaths caused by cardiac arrests and other ailments triggered by high-altitude conditions, fatigue, and strenuous trekking, Uttarakhand State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) data released on Tueday revealed. This year's figures reflect a decline from last year's 251 fatalities, officials said, attributing the decline to improved medical infrastructure, increased awareness, and better management along the yatra routes. This year 75 deaths were reported in Kedarnath, 45 in Badrinath, 16 in Gangotri, and 23 in Yamunotri, SEOC data showed. In 2023, 245 fatalities due to ailments were reported. "This season, the focus was on strengthening health infrastructure," Uttarakhand health secretary Dr R Rajesh Kumar said, adding, "A total of 49 permanent health facilities and 20 Medical Relief Posts (MRPs) were operational this year, along with a newly built 17-bed hospital in Kedarnath. Health screening kiosks were also increased to 57, including new ones at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Vikasnagar, and Kaliyasaud (Pauri)." According to officials, 31 specialists, 200 medical officers, and 381 paramedical staff were deployed across the Char Dham circuit, supported by an additional 336 medical officers and 420 paramedics on rotation. Specialist assistance included 47 experts from the state health department, 40 from the Government of India, and 10 from state-run and private medical colleges. Field personnel and stakeholders such as hotel and dharamshala staff, mule handlers, and volunteers were trained to recognise high-risk symptoms, manage emergencies, and prevent hypothermia, especially on pedestrian routes like Kedarnath. Health advisories in 13 languages were issued during registration, while signage detailing health facility locations were placed along the yatra route. "Fifty tablets were distributed for digital data entry at screening points and Medical Relief Posts . The ambulance network included 82 departmental and 72 NAS ambulances, supplemented by heli-ambulance services operated by AIIMS Rishikesh," Dr Kumar said. "This year's yatra reflects a significant enhancement in healthcare preparedness, combining expanded infrastructure, trained manpower, digital systems, and emergency response mechanisms," he added. Pilgrims also noted improvements. Nimesh Bhai, a devotee from Surat, said, "Proper health screening was done at stopovers. The elderly were provided preventive care, and those with heart issues were advised caution or to avoid trekking."...