Heavy Rain Disrupts Char Dham Yatra, 1,500 Pilgrims Evacuated From Kedarnath Route

Heavy rainfall and landslide activity have disrupted the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, with authorities taking precautionary measures to protect pilgrims travelling through vulnerable Himalayan routes.

The Char Dham Yatra was suspended from the afternoon of September 26 until September 27 following adverse weather forecasts and concerns over pilgrim safety. The pilgrimage resumed on Monday after weather conditions improved, though authorities continued to monitor routes for landslides and other hazards.

The latest disruption was reported on the Kedarnath trekking route near Chirbasa, where heavy rainfall triggered a landslide that deposited debris and boulders near the Chirbasa helipad. Continuous rockfalls from the hillside made movement through the affected section extremely dangerous.

Around 1,500 pilgrims who became stranded in the area late Sunday night were safely evacuated by joint teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and District Disaster Response Force (DDRF). The teams carefully guided the pilgrims through the landslide zone and escorted them towards Gaurikund, located about three kilometres from Chirbasa.

The damaged section of the Kedarnath pedestrian route has been completely closed, while repair and strengthening work is underway. Pilgrims travelling to Kedarnath are currently able to use helicopter services, subject to weather conditions.

Authorities have also adopted preventive measures during periods of intense rainfall. Pilgrims can be stopped at the nearest holding area when conditions deteriorate, while district magistrates and concerned departments have been directed to remain vigilant and keep relief and rescue arrangements ready.

Officials have urged pilgrims to monitor weather updates and follow instructions from the local administration and police before proceeding on the pilgrimage routes. The Uttarakhand Tourism portal also provides registration, health, emergency and travel-related services for pilgrims.

The incidents highlight the continuing risks posed by heavy rain, landslides and rockfalls along Uttarakhand's high-altitude pilgrimage routes during the monsoon period.