BJP MLA Asha Nautiyal from Kedarnath has sparked a controversy by calling for a ban on "non-Hindus" allegedly involved in defaming the revered Kedarnath Dham.

Speaking to ANI on Sunday, Nautiyal revealed that a recent meeting on Yatra management at Kedarnath highlighted concerns that had gone unnoticed.

Supporting these concerns, she stated, "I also agree if some people are doing anything that may malign the image of Kedarnath Dham, then the entry of such people should be banned."

Further, she explicitly alleged that those responsible for such activities are "definitely non-Hindus" and emphasized the need for action. "We need to look into it because if such an issue has been raised, then there must be something to it... We will demand that the entry of such people be banned."

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand’s tourism infrastructure is set for a major boost with the Union Cabinet approving two ambitious ropeway projects at Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib.

The Kedarnath ropeway, spanning 12.9 km from Sonprayag, will be developed under a public-private partnership at a cost of ₹4,081.28 crore.

Utilizing state-of-the-art Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology, the ropeway will have a daily capacity of 18,000 passengers, promising a seamless pilgrimage experience.