The ongoing torrential rainfall in Uttarakhand has brought the Kedarnath Yatra to a halt. Considering the safety of the pilgrims, the administration has decided to temporarily suspend the yatra. Keeping in mind the possibility of landslides and obstructions on the routes due to heavy rainfall, the travelers have been stopped at Sonprayag and Gaurikund.
Red Alert in Four Districts
The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall and landslides in four districts of the state: Tehri, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, and Uttarkashi for July 7th and 8th. The administration has appealed to local residents and travelers to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel. The decision to resume the yatra will be made only after the weather improves.
Alaknanda Water Level Rises
The impact of heavy rainfall in Rudraprayag and surrounding areas is clearly visible on the Alaknanda River. The water level is rising rapidly, although it is currently below the danger mark. Despite this, the district administration has taken precautions, restricting the movement of people along the riverbanks and keeping rescue teams on alert.
Debris Removal Work in Gaurikund Continues
The road to Badrinath has also been obstructed due to a major landslide. The administration has stopped the movement of travelers because of debris spread on the road. Meanwhile, debris removal work is also going on rapidly in Gaurikund to resume the yatra as soon as possible.
Conditions Worsen Due to Rain
Landslide incidents are occurring in the hilly areas due to continuous rain. Recently, more than 40 pilgrims returning from Kedarnath were trapped in a landslide caused by heavy rainfall in Sonprayag. The SDRF team reached the spot and rescued everyone safely.
The impact of the rain has affected not only the yatra but also daily life. Power and water supply have been disrupted in many areas. Debris has accumulated on the roads, causing complete traffic disruption. The cloudburst incident in the Barkot area a few days ago has further aggravated the situation.
Religious Significance of the Kedarnath Yatra
The Kedarnath temple, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is part of the Char Dham Yatra. Situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level, this temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Millions of devotees visit here every year to have darshan of Baba Kedar. To reach this pilgrimage site nestled in the Himalayas, devotees have to traverse difficult mountainous paths.
Appeal by the Administration
The administration has clarified that the safety of travelers and local people is paramount. Everyone has been urged to follow the administration's guidelines, avoid rumors, and refrain from traveling in bad weather. The state government and disaster management teams are fully alert and continuously monitoring the situation.
