Mussoorie, May 4 -- The Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) plans to erect seven-foot-high barricades around the Kedarnath Temple premises to handle surging pilgrim crowds and restrict unauthorised video filming, officials said. The initiative follows a sharp rise in devotees during the ongoing Char Dham Yatra, putting pressure on authorities to control crowds and preserve order in the temple complex. Sohan Singh Rangar, BKTC chief executive officer, said the committee has submitted a formal proposal to the Garhwal commissioner for approval. "In response to the rising footfall, we are planning to install seven-foot-high barricades around the temple premises. The objective is to streamline the movement of devotees and maintain the religious sanctity of the shrine," he said. Rangar noted the barricades would regulate access to the core area, prevent loitering and curb congestion. "These barriers will ensure that only those coming for prayers are allowed into the main complex through designated routes. This will also help reduce congestion and improve overall crowd management," he said. The measures also target content creators filming videos, reels and social media clips inside the premises. Though BKTC and local officials have banned such activities, enforcement remains difficult as some visitors record discreetly. "The presence of content creators inside the temple complex has increasingly disrupted the spiritual atmosphere. The barricades will help establish a regulated pathway and minimise such activities, ensuring that the sanctity of the shrine is preserved," an official said. If approved, BKTC aims to install the barricades swiftly amid high daily footfall, boosting security and pilgrim experience through organised movement. The plan emerges amid mismanagement allegations during the Kedarnath Yatra. Police have filed multiple FIRs over misinformation, provocative social media posts and vandalism. Authorities now monitor online platforms closely after misleading videos sparked pilgrim confusion and panic. Rajkumar Tiwari, president of Kedarnath Sabha, criticised vloggers and YouTubers for false claims about shrine facilities. "Such content can harm the image of the pilgrimage and create confusion among devotees. There is a need to regulate such activities more strictly," he said. The row has sparked political friction, with Congress attacking the state government over yatra arrangements. UKPCC president Ganesh Godiyal accused the administration of inadequate preparation despite warnings. "We had apprehended from the beginning that arrangements would come under strain. The government's focus was not on effective management of the Char Dham Yatra," he said, adding that reconstruction in last year's disaster-hit areas remains unfinished. Godiyal further alleged police targeted critics highlighting pilgrim woes. The BJP dismissed the claims, insisting the yatra proceeds smoothly. Manveer Singh Chauhan said politically motivated posts aimed to damage the state's reputation. "The Congress' claims are based on misinformation. Investigations have found some posts to be part of a planned attempt to spread false narratives," Chauhan said....