Three days after a landslide disrupted the Yamunotri National Highway, the route remains closed, leaving hundreds of pilgrims stranded. The highway near Silai Bend and Ojari remains obstructed as a section of the road was washed away due to continuous rainfall. Despite efforts, the situation at Syana Chatti, where a lake has formed in the Yamuna River, remains unchanged. Restoration work is ongoing at a war footing.
Meanwhile, the Gangotri route is open, and pilgrimage to the Gangotri Dham continues without disruption. However, no government officials have yet reached the stranded pilgrims. In response, locals and Chardham Yatra volunteers have stepped in to provide free accommodation and food to those affected.
Ban on Chardham Yatra Lifted
The Uttarakhand government lifted the 24-hour ban on the Chardham Yatra on Monday morning, which was earlier imposed due to a red alert for heavy rainfall. The state has directed all District Magistrates of affected regions to regulate vehicle movement based on local weather conditions to ensure pilgrims’ safety.
According to the Chardham Yatra Management and Control Organisation, more than 19,000 devotees visited the Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib after the ban was lifted. Additionally, 2,684 pilgrims completed offline registration for the yatra.
Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed the removal of the travel ban and reiterated the government’s commitment to the safety of all pilgrims. He instructed DMs of districts along the Char Dham route to assess local conditions and impose travel restrictions as needed.
