The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand has been temporarily suspended due to relentless rainfall across the region. Authorities took the decision after the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for the next 24 hours, warning of extreme weather conditions.
Pilgrims en route to yatra are being safely relocated to secure shelters, while those currently in Rishikesh have been advised to stay put until conditions improve.
“Instructions have been given to the police and administration officials to stop the pilgrims in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Sonprayag and Vikasnagar,” Vinay Shankar Pandey, Commissioner, Garhwal, told news agency ANI.
Pandey advised that those who have already started their journey should halt wherever they are until the weather improves and the route becomes safe for further travel.
Highways blocked, travel disrupted
Continuous rainfall across Uttarakhand has led to major disruptions in travel. The National Highway near Nandprayag and Bhaneropani, a vital stretch for pilgrims heading to Kedarnath, was blocked, making its clearance a top priority for the administration.
In Rudraprayag district, authorities restricted movement on the Sonprayag-Munkatiya road on Friday due to persistent rain. The road—an important base route for Kedarnath pilgrims, was rendered impassable by falling debris and stones, particularly near the Sonprayag shuttle bridge and the sliding zone near Munkatiya.
Pilgrims were temporarily halted at Sonprayag and Gaurikund for safety reasons. Once debris was cleared, movement resumed with heightened caution. According to the Rudraprayag Police, road openings and closings are now being managed carefully, with administrative and police personnel overseeing safe travel.