Char Dham yatra halts for 24 hours due to rainfall red alert

The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand has been suspended for 24 hours starting today, Sunday, June 29. The decision was made in response to a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for several districts in the state.

Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed the suspension, stating that pilgrims who have reached Rishikesh are being advised to halt their journey and remain in safe accommodations. This measure is a key part of the administration's precautionary efforts to ensure the safety of all devotees undertaking the pilgrimage.

For those who have already proceeded beyond Rishikesh, authorities are stopping them at designated safe locations along the pilgrimage route. This ensures that no one is left vulnerable to landslides, flash floods, or other hazards that can be triggered by torrential rainfall in the hilly terrain.

The IMD's red alert indicates a forecast of "extremely heavy rainfall" in various districts, which has prompted the administration to take immediate action to prevent any untoward incidents. The pilgrimage routes to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri are known to be particularly susceptible to landslides and road closures during the monsoon season.

Authorities have issued a strong advisory to all devotees, urging them to strictly follow official directives and avoid traveling to the hills until weather conditions show significant improvement. This proactive approach aims to prioritize human life and safety over the continuation of the pilgrimage.