Authorities lifted the 24-hour suspension of the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand on Monday, following a period of continuous rainfall and increased landslide risks that had made travel along the pilgrimage route unsafe.
Officials implemented the suspension on Sunday as a precautionary measure to prevent mishaps amid warnings of inclement weather and unstable terrain in the higher Himalayan regions.
Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed that the Yatra had officially resumed, though with added caution.
He emphasised that local administrations would continue to monitor the situation closely and that all safety protocols remain in effect to safeguard pilgrims.
Temporary suspension details
Authorities enforced the suspension on Sunday as a precautionary measure due to severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and the risk of landslides, which made travel to high-altitude areas extremely unsafe.
Officials urged pilgrims to remain at their current locations and refrain from attempting to travel towards Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, or Yamunotri until weather conditions stabilise.
They also advised tour operators and local administrations to provide shelter, food, and updates to the stranded pilgrims to ensure their safety and comfort during the disruption.
Weather impact & casualties
A devastating cloudburst near Silai on the Barkot-Yamunotri Road in Uttarkashi District caused the suspension.
The cloudburst triggered landslides, destroying a campsite of road construction workers, leaving two labourers dead and seven others missing.
Authorities have been clearing debris and searching for the missing workers.
The cloudburst blocked the Yamunotri National Highway at several points near Silai Band, severely impacting the route. Other roads in the region are also closed due to debris and landslides
Heavy rainfall is battering several districts, including Chamoli, Pauri Garhwal, Dehradun, and Rudraprayag.
Rivers are swelling dangerously near the banks, prompting local authorities to issue fresh advisories. They are urging residents and those living near riverbanks to stay alert and take necessary precautions.
With conditions remaining unstable, officials are closely monitoring the weather and actively updating travel advisories to ensure the safety of both pilgrims and residents.
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