The Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) is contemplating a ban on mobile phones in Kedarnath Dham. This is in response to the increasing presence of social media influencers and “reel hunters” who film videos and take pictures within the temple premises.
The committee has reached out to senior police officers, urging them to take strict action against such individuals. Additionally, they are planning to establish a cloakroom where devotees can deposit their mobile phones before entering the temple.
The proposal has sparked a range of reactions from netizens. Some individuals support the ban, arguing that it is crucial to preserve the temple’s sanctity and prevent disrespectful or inappropriate content creation.
Conversely, others oppose the ban, claiming that it encroaches upon freedom of expression and hinders the ability to capture personal experiences at the temple.
The BKTC has not yet reached a final decision regarding the mobile phone ban in Kedarnath Dham. The matter is still being considered.
Here are some of the pros and cons of banning mobile phones in Kedarnath Dham:
Pros:
- Protect the sanctity of the temple
- Prevent people from making disrespectful or inappropriate videos
- Reduce the risk of accidents, such as people tripping and falling while taking selfies
- Make it easier for people to focus on their spiritual experience
Cons:
- Infringe on people’s freedom of expression
- Make it difficult for people to document their experiences at the temple
- Create a sense of inconvenience and frustration among visitors
- Be difficult to enforce, as people could simply bring their phones in hidden or disguised ways
