CharDhamYatra – Pilgrimage Paused as Heavy Rain and Landslide Threat Grows in Uttarakhand
CharDhamYatra –Continuous heavy rainfall has forced authorities to suspend the Char Dham Yatra for two days as officials focus on ensuring the safety of pilgrims and residents across the hill state.
The Char Dham Yatra has been temporarily halted on Tuesday and Wednesday following persistent rainfall, landslides, and adverse weather conditions in Uttarakhand. The decision was announced by the Garhwal Division Commissioner after multiple routes leading to the pilgrimage shrines were blocked by landslides, making travel unsafe. Officials said the pilgrimage will resume only after weather conditions improve and the affected roads are declared safe for movement.
Heavy Rainfall Prompts Emergency Precautions
Relentless monsoon showers have continued across several districts of Uttarakhand, leading the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for parts of the state. In response, the administration has intensified preparedness measures while urging pilgrims, tourists, and local residents to remain alert throughout the period of severe weather.
Authorities have advised people to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in mountainous areas where continuous rainfall has increased the possibility of landslides and rockfalls. Residents have also been requested to stay away from rivers, streams, and other water bodies that may witness a sudden rise in water levels due to heavy precipitation.
Public Asked to Follow Official Advisories
The state administration has appealed to visitors and locals to closely monitor official weather bulletins and comply with instructions issued by district authorities. Officials stressed that ignoring travel advisories could expose people to avoidable risks, particularly on vulnerable hill roads.
The administration has also requested pilgrims planning to begin or continue their journey to wait until the weather stabilises and authorities officially permit movement on the pilgrimage routes. Emergency response teams remain on standby to deal with any situation arising from the ongoing rainfall.
Schools and Anganwadi Centres to Remain Closed
As part of precautionary measures, the government has ordered the closure of schools and Anganwadi centres in the affected regions on Tuesday. The decision has been taken to minimise risks for children and staff as forecasts indicate the likelihood of intense rainfall across several districts.
Officials believe that limiting public movement during periods of severe weather will help reduce the chances of weather-related incidents and support emergency operations if required.
Multiple Districts Under Weather Alert
According to the Meteorological Department, districts including Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal, and Pauri Garhwal are expected to receive heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning over the coming hours.
Weather experts have cautioned that prolonged rainfall could further weaken mountain slopes, increasing the risk of landslides, falling debris, and road blockages. Authorities are continuously monitoring the situation and assessing vulnerable locations across the state.
Bridge Damage Disrupts Regional Connectivity
The ongoing rain has also affected transport infrastructure in the region. A newly built bridge over the Tons River at Nanda Ki Chowki in Prem Nagar sustained damage due to continuous rainfall, disrupting traffic movement between Dehradun, Vikasnagar, and neighbouring areas of Himachal Pradesh.
Officials are evaluating the extent of the damage and working on measures to restore connectivity while ensuring public safety. Motorists have been advised to use designated alternate routes wherever available and avoid travelling through affected areas until conditions improve.