Char Dham Yatra Resumes After Brief Weather Halt
The Char Dham Yatra resumed on Tuesday. Uttarakhand authorities had paused the pilgrimage for one day as a safety precaution amid harsh weather. After reviewing the latest conditions, officials decided to restart the journey.
Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swaroop confirmed the update. He noted that authorities are coordinating closely with district administrations, police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and other departments along the routes.
Moreover, teams continue to monitor the pilgrimage paths around the clock. They maintain extra vigilance in vulnerable spots.
Swaroop urged pilgrims to stay alert. He advised them to wait in designated safe areas or holding points if heavy rain, landslides, or other issues temporarily block the route. Pilgrims should follow instructions from the administration and police at all times. They can resume travel only after officials give the all-clear.
“Pilgrim safety remains the administration’s top priority,” Swaroop emphasized. Additionally, he confirmed that all relevant departments are tracking weather updates and route conditions. This allows teams to respond quickly whenever needed.
Heavy rainfall has impacted several areas. For instance, it has affected the Kedarnath route and caused the Sharda River to swell significantly. In Champawat district, the irrigation department issued a red alert at the Banbasa Sharda Barrage on the India-Nepal border due to rising water levels. As a result, authorities imposed movement restrictions in the border area and suspended vehicular traffic across the barrage.
The Uttarakhand government encourages all pilgrims to check the latest weather forecasts before starting their journey. Furthermore, they should rely only on official updates from the administration for accurate information.
This careful approach helps ensure devotees can complete their sacred journey safely.