Uttarakhand: Char Dham Yatra suspended due to heavy rain alert

The administration of the concerned districts has been put on alert and relief and rescue teams have been activated.

Dehradun: The Chardham Yatra has been suspended for the next 24 hours, in view of the heavy rains in Uttarakhand. Police and administration officials have been instructed to stop pilgrims in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Sonprayag and Vikasnagar.

Garhwal DC

Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey said that Police and Administrative officials have been instructed to stop the pilgrims at all entry centers.

"Due to the warning of heavy rains, the Char Dham Yatra has been suspended for the next 24 hours." He further said, "Police and administrative officials have been instructed to stop the pilgrims in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Sonprayag and Vikasnagar only," said Pandey.

Commissioner Pandey further said that in view of the continuous heavy rains and the possibility of landslides, the Chardham Yatra has been postponed for a day. This precautionary step has been taken to protect life and property. He further said that the administration of the concerned districts has been put on alert and relief and rescue teams have been activated. The decision to proceed with the Yatra will be taken tomorrow after taking stock of the weather conditions and routes.

Guidelines Issued For Devotees

Devotees have been requested to follow the guidelines issued by the administration and not to leave for the Yatra sites till the weather becomes normal. The water level of Ganga in Rishikesh has increased due to continuous rain in the mountainous region of Rishikesh.

The police is issuing warnings through announcements to the people reaching the ghat for bathing. Continuous rain in Uttarakhand has created huge difficulties. The National Highway has been blocked near Nandprayag and Bhaneropani. The National Highway near Nandprayag is an important route for pilgrims going to Kedarnath, so clearing the road is a priority.

Sonprayag-Munkatiya Road Closed

In another development, district authorities in Rudraprayag on Friday suspended movement on the Sonprayag-Munkatiya road due to incessant rains.

Base Point For Pilgrims

This road serves as a base point for pilgrims going to Kedarnath. The movement of pilgrims was completely disrupted due to continuous falling of debris and stones near the Sonprayag shuttle bridge and in the sliding zone area near Munkatiya.