The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand has been temporarily suspended following intense rainfall and a massive landslide near Uttarkashi. The decision was taken by state authorities as a safety precaution after a cloudburst in the early hours of June 29 led to the disappearance of nine workers in the Yamunotri region. With weather conditions remaining unstable and the terrain increasingly dangerous, rescue operations are underway while pilgrims have been asked to halt their journeys at safe zones.
The incident took place near Silai Band, a stretch on the Yamunotri National Highway that has seen recurring weather related disruptions in the past. A labour camp with 19 workers, set up for the construction of a hotel near Paligad, was directly impacted by the landslide. Ten workers managed to escape, but nine remain missing, prompting a large scale rescue mission led by the State Disaster Response Force. Given the damage to the highway, teams from the National Disaster Response Force and other emergency units have had to navigate the affected area on foot.
A 10 to 12 metre segment of the Yamunotri National Highway has been completely washed away due to the relentless rain. This has significantly slowed down the search and rescue efforts, as heavy equipment and vehicles are unable to reach the site. Local police, health workers, and revenue officials are also actively involved in the response. The scale of damage has raised concerns not only about the ongoing pilgrimage but also about the broader safety risks posed by monsoon season travel in Uttarakhand.
Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey officially confirmed the suspension of the yatra and urged pilgrims to stay put at secure locations including Haridwar, Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Sonprayag, and Vikasnagar. He emphasized that the pause is necessary to ensure both the safety of travellers and the smooth execution of rescue operations. Pilgrims already en route have been advised to cooperate with authorities and avoid proceeding toward high risk zones until conditions improve.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also addressed the situation, asking residents and pilgrims alike to refrain from unnecessary travel in hilly regions. He reminded the public to rely on official updates rather than social media rumours or unverified reports, especially during crisis situations.
The impact of this weather emergency extends beyond Yamunotri. The Badrinath National Highway is currently blocked near Nandprayag and Bhanerpani due to related landslides. While efforts are being made to clear these routes, progress remains slow given the unpredictability of the rain and the threat of further slides.
District administrations across the state have been placed on high alert. Relief teams are working continuously to assess damage, restore essential routes, and keep affected regions secure. The State Disaster Management Authority is expected to provide another update on the Char Dham Yatra after reviewing road and weather conditions on June 30.
For now, authorities have reiterated that safety must take precedence. Pilgrims are encouraged to stay at designated halt points and wait for official clearance before resuming travel. The pause, while inconvenient, is meant to prevent further harm and support the recovery efforts already in motion.
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