Rudraprayag: The Kedarnath pedestrian route was blocked again on Monday after debris and stones fell near Chirbasa, prompting the administration to stop pilgrims from moving beyond Sonprayag and Gaurikund towards Kedarnath Dham.
Pilgrims returning from the shrine are also being stopped at intermediate halting points as a precaution. The route became completely blocked after fresh debris and stones fell during rainfall.
Repair and improvement work had been underway on the pedestrian route near Chirbasa, around 2.5 kilometres from Gaurikund, since Monday morning. Pilgrims returning from Kedarnath were also being allowed to cross the affected stretch safely during the work.
However, rainfall triggered another fall of debris and stones, blocking the route once again. Following the incident, authorities halted the onward movement of pilgrims from both Sonprayag and Gaurikund.
District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar said continuous rainfall had caused fresh debris and stones to fall on the route at Chirbasa. He said the decision to stop pilgrims had been taken in view of their safety.
Administration and police teams are present at the site and are monitoring the situation. Pilgrims have been advised to remain at Sonprayag or Gaurikund and not proceed towards Kedarnath until the route is declared safe.
Authorities said a decision on resuming pedestrian movement will be taken after the condition of the route becomes normal.
Meanwhile, pilgrims were able to reach Kedarnath Dham by helicopter service earlier in the morning when weather conditions were normal.
