Key Points

The Char Dham Yatra has resumed after a 24-hour suspension due to heavy rains and landslides in Uttarakhand. Officials confirmed the ban was lifted but warned pilgrims to stay cautious as weather conditions remain unstable. A cloudburst near Silai killed two workers and left seven missing, blocking the Yamunotri Highway. Authorities continue to monitor routes and advise pilgrims to follow safety guidelines.

Key Points: Char Dham Yatra Resumes After 24-Hour Suspension Due to Landslide Risks

  • Char Dham Yatra resumes after weather-related suspension
  • Cloudburst near Silai leaves 2 dead, 7 missing
  • Yamunotri Highway blocked due to debris
  • Authorities regulate pilgrim movement amid heavy rains
2 min read

Char Dham Yatra resumes after 24-hour suspension

Uttarakhand officials lift Char Dham Yatra suspension but warn pilgrims of ongoing weather risks after landslides and cloudburst incidents.

"The 24-hour ban on the Char Dham Yatra has been lifted. – Vinay Shankar Pandey, Garhwal Divisional Commissioner"

Dehradun, June 30

The 24-hour suspension on the Char Dham Yatra was officially lifted on Monday, officials confirmed, allowing the pilgrimage to resume after a temporary halt due to relentless rainfall and heightened risks of landslides in Uttarakhand.

Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey told IANS, "The 24-hour ban on the Char Dham Yatra has been lifted."

However, he added that all District Magistrates along the Yatra route have been instructed to regulate vehicle movement based on the prevailing weather conditions in their respective areas.

The temporary suspension had been imposed on Sunday as a precautionary measure to protect the lives and property of pilgrims and residents amid severe weather.

Authorities had issued advisories urging pilgrims to remain where they are and avoid travelling to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri until conditions improve.

The suspension followed a severe cloudburst near Silai on the Barkot-Yamunotri road in Uttarkashi district that left at least nine road construction labourers missing.

At least two labourers lost their lives, and seven others are still missing after a devastating cloudburst. The incident occurred near an under-construction hotel in the Silai area along the Yamunotri National Highway, washing away a labourers' campsite where 29 workers had taken shelter.

While 20 people were rescued, nine were reported missing. Later, it was confirmed that two people were dead. The search for the seven others is still underway.

The Yamunotri National Highway was blocked at multiple points near Silai Band, severely affecting the route. Authorities at NH Barkot were alerted to manage the situation, and the debris was cleared.

Elsewhere in the state, the National Highway near Nandprayag and Bhaneropani was also blocked due to debris, while the Sonprayag-Munkatiya road in Rudraprayag -- an essential route for Kedarnath pilgrims -- was closed because of landslides.

Heavy rain continues to lash several districts, including Chamoli, Pauri Garhwal, Dehradun, Rudraprayag, and others.

As rivers swell dangerously close to banks, the administration has issued a fresh advisory urging people living near riverbanks to remain alert and take all necessary precautions.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Such heartbreaking news about the laborers. The government must ensure better safety measures for workers in these vulnerable areas. My prayers for the missing workers and their families.
A
Arjun K
The Char Dham yatra is close to every Hindu's heart, but we must respect nature's fury. Authorities should make better arrangements for emergency shelters along the route. Jai Badri Vishal!
P
Priya S
While I appreciate the quick action by officials, why wasn't there better weather forecasting? Many pilgrims had already started their journey when the suspension was announced. Better coordination needed!
V
Vikram M
The Himalayan ecosystem is fragile. We need sustainable tourism policies. Every year we hear about tragedies during yatra season. Maybe limit the number of pilgrims during monsoon?
K
Kavya N
Just returned from Gangotri last week. The devotion of pilgrims is amazing but the infrastructure is lacking. More medical facilities and better roads needed. Har Har Mahadev!

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