Char Dham Yatra Suspended For 1 Day Amid Heavy Rain, Cloudburst And Landslides In Uttarakhand

The Char Dham Yatra, one of India's most revered Hindu pilgrimages, has been temporarily suspended for 24 hours due to heavy rainfall, landslides, and a cloudburst in Uttarakhand. Authorities are urging pilgrims to remain at safe locations as rescue operations continue in rain-hit areas.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for very heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand on June 30 and July 1, raising fears of flash floods, landslides, and rising river levels.

"The Char Dham Yatra has been postponed for a day in view of the continuous heavy rainfall and the possibility of landslides. This precautionary step has been taken for the safety of life and property. I have given instructions to the police and administration officials to stop the pilgrims in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Sonprayag and Vikasnagar," said Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey while speaking to ANI.

Top Reasons for 24 hrs Chardham Yatra suspension

Cloud Burst in Uttarkashi:

A cloudburst near Silai Band on the Barkot-Yamunotri road in Uttarkashi district has triggered devastation in the region. An under-construction hotel was destroyed, and at least nine labourers of Nepali origin working at the site are missing.

"So far, eight to nine people are reported missing. All of them were staying in tents and working on the road," said Deepak Kathait, SHO of Barkot Police Station.

"Information has been received about some workers missing in the tragic incident of a landslide in the Silai Band area of Barkot tehsil in Uttarkashi district. SDRF, NDRF, and other teams have reached the spot and are carrying out intensive relief and rescue operations. I am in constant touch with the concerned officials and pray to God for everyone's safety," said Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, in a post on X.

Heavy Rain Blocking Badrinath National Highway:

Heavy rainfall on Saturday, 28th June led to major disruptions including landslides in Uttarakhand, including the blockage of the Badrinath National Highway at several points near Nandprayag and Bhanerpani. The highway near Nandprayag is an important road for pilgrims going to Kedarnath.

In a post on social media platform X, Chamoli Police Uttarakhand said, "The Badrinath National Highway is blocked near Nandprayag and Bhanerpani. Work is underway to open the road."

Additionally, agricultural land in Kuthnaur village has been damaged, and the Kupda Kunshala Trikhili motor bridge in Syanachatti is under threat due to rising water levels in the Yamuna River.

Pilgrims Halted At Various Places

As a safety measure, the police and administration have been instructed to halt pilgrims at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Sonprayag, and Vikasnagar.

Over 1,000 pilgrims are currently stranded at Janakichatti, Phoolchatti, Kharsali, Ranachatti, and Syanachatti, all en route to Yamunotri Dham. Authorities are ensuring proper food, shelter, and medical arrangements for them.

"Instructions have been given to the police and the concerned SDMs to ensure the safe stay of pilgrims. The situation will be reviewed tomorrow," said District Magistrate Prashant Arya.

IMD Weather Forecasts for North India

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Himachal Pradesh starting June 29. There are warnings of possible flash floods, rising river levels, and landslides in several areas.

The IMD also expects widespread heavy rain in the coming days across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

"People should stay away from rivers and landslide-prone areas. Almost all regions in Himachal received rainfall in the past 24 hours, with Palampur recording 76 mm," said Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Senior Scientist, IMD Shimla.

As per IMD predictions, weather conditions may stabilize from July 4-5, allowing for a possible resumption of the Yatra. Until then, devotees are strongly advised not to proceed to the Char Dham sites.