The ongoing Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand has been temporarily suspended due to heavy rain alerts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey announced the halt late on Saturday, urging pilgrims en route to the revered Hindu temples to avoid proceeding further and stay where they are.
Heavy Rain Forecast
The IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall across all districts of Uttarakhand on Sunday and Monday. Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Pauri districts are expected to see particularly heavy showers on July 9, while Tehri, Pauri, Bageshwar, Almora, Nainital, and Champawat are likely to experience significant rainfall the following day.
Advisory for Pilgrims
Commissioner Pandey has appealed to pilgrims not to travel beyond Rishikesh, the gateway to the Char Dham sites. Pilgrims have been advised to continue their journeys only when weather conditions improve and it is deemed safe to do so.
Road Closures and Safety Measures
The Chamoli Police have used social media to reiterate the heavy rain alert and caution the public against unnecessary travel. They reported that the road near the Baldouda bridge ahead of Vishnu Prayag on the Badrinath National Highway is blocked. Similarly, the Rudraprayag Gaurikund National Highway-107 is obstructed in the Doliya Devi (Phata) area due to continuous heavy downpours.
Government Response
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed all district magistrates in the affected areas to maintain high alertness in response to the IMD's forecasts. The state government is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to undertake rescue and relief operations if necessary.
Weather Warnings for Other Regions
Beyond Uttarakhand, the IMD has predicted moderate to widespread light rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, across Northwest and Central India over the next five days. Fairly widespread to widespread light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning is also expected in East and Northeast India during this period.
Safety Precautions
As authorities work to ensure the safety of pilgrims and residents, the temporary suspension of the Char Dham Yatra has been ordered as a necessary precaution against potentially severe weather conditions. Travelers are advised to stay informed about the latest developments and heed official advisories before undertaking any journeys in the affected regions of Uttarakhand and neighboring areas.
