To ensure the smooth conduct of the Char Dham Yatra amid worsening weather conditions, the central government has deployed NDRF and ITBP personnel across key pilgrimage routes. Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally spoke to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on the phone to assess the situation in Kedarnath and other parts of the state.
Acknowledging the gravity of the conditions, Shah assured the Chief Minister of immediate support from central emergency response teams to prevent disruptions in the pilgrimage and safeguard the movement of devotees. He also promised continued assistance for other sensitive districts in Uttarakhand.
On the Gaurikund-Kedarnath foot route, a landslide near Chhauri Gadhera led to boulders and debris blocking the path for nearly three hours. Pilgrims were halted at Gaurikund, while returnees were stopped at Bhimbali and Jungle Chatti. The route was cleared and reopened around 11 a.m.
Other major disruptions included:
- Badrinath Highway: Blocked for two hours in Chamoli’s Umtta area due to landslide debris.
- Yamunotri Highway: Closed for the sixth consecutive day.
- Gangotri Highway: A 25-meter stretch near Papadgad in Bhatwari collapsed again, suspending movement for nearly eight hours.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Bageshwar and Rudraprayag, warning of heavy rainfall. A yellow alert for Dehradun, Pithoragarh, Nainital, and Chamoli suggests more rain in hilly regions today, increasing the risk of further disruptions.
