- विज्ञापन -
Dehradun, Uttarakhand, June 26: The onset of monsoon in the Himalayan region has started to impact the Char Dham Yatra, with continuous rainfall triggering landslide threats and leading to the temporary suspension of pilgrim movement to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Hemkund Sahib.
Pilgrims stopped at Sonprayag, Badrinath highway blocked
In Kedarnath, heavy rain has led authorities to halt pilgrims at Sonprayag and nearby locations as a precaution. Officials have stated that no pilgrims will be allowed to proceed until the weather clears.
Similarly, in Chamaouli district, stones and boulders fell from the hills at several spots along the Badrinath Highway, particularly in Pinola near Govindghat, leading to a temporary roadblock. As a result, pilgrims en route to Badrinath Dham and Hemkund Sahib have also been asked to wait at designated safe locations.
Yamunotri route closed after fatal landslide
The situation is more critical on the Yamunotri footpath, where a major landslide near Kainchi Band on Monday claimed the lives of two pilgrims. Two others are still missing. In response, the district administration has suspended the Yamunotri Yatra for a day and urged pilgrims to remain at the waypoints until conditions improve.
Due to the landslide, sections of the walking trail and protective railings have been completely damaged. Work is ongoing to prepare alternate paths and clear the debris.
Rescue Operations Ongoing for Missing Pilgrims
The third day of rescue operations is underway for the two missing pilgrims. Teams from the NDRF, SDRF, and local forces, along with sniffer dogs, are conducting a continuous search despite the challenging terrain and weather. So far, no trace of the missing has been found.
Administration Appeals for Patience and Caution
Local authorities have appealed to devotees to cooperate with the administration, follow safety advisories, and avoid traveling during heavy rainfall. Arrangements for food and shelter are being made at various stops to accommodate stranded pilgrims.
