Kedarnath Yatra resumes after rain-related suspension in Uttarakhand

The Kedarnath Yatra resumed on Sunday after being temporarily suspended due to heavy rainfall and an orange weather alert in Uttarakhand. Pilgrim movement was restored as conditions improved, while helicopter services remained suspended and authorities continued monitoring the situation

Rudraprayag: The Kedarnath Yatra resumed on Sunday after a brief suspension due to heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand.

Movement of pilgrims resumed as the weather cleared and operations were restored on the Kedarnath trekking route after the rainfall stopped. However, if the weather deteriorates later in the day, pilgrims will again be asked to take shelter at the nearest safe locations until conditions improve.

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The Kedarnath Yatra was temporarily suspended earlier in the day after the weather department issued an orange alert amid heavy rainfall.

Speaking to reporters, Rudraprayag District Magistrate (DM) Vishal Mishra said the region had experienced overnight rainfall.

“We have been informed by the weather department that an orange alert will be in place today, and a yellow alert has been issued for tomorrow due to the prevailing weather conditions.

“We have requested people who are currently en route to the pilgrimage sites to take shelter at the nearest holding areas and safe locations. Our teams are monitoring the situation from the control room as well as on the ground,” he said.

“All our efforts are aimed at ensuring that no pilgrim faces any adverse situation,” he said.

Officials deployed at Sonprayag, Gaurikund and other landslide-prone stretches were instructed not to allow any pilgrim to proceed further until weather conditions improved. However, as soon as conditions improved, pilgrims who had halted at safe locations were allowed to continue their journey.

Meanwhile, helicopter services have been temporarily suspended due to heavy rainfall and fog.

Referring to the heavy rainfall in the state over the past two days, Mishra said holding areas had been created in plains areas such as Dehradun, Rishikesh and Haridwar, where devotees would be provided basic amenities.

Mishra also said feedback from pilgrims had been collected to ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.

“Some issues have come to light. We are trying our best to facilitate pilgrims so that they can complete the darshan as quickly as possible,” he said.

He emphasised that the administration was also focusing on crowd management at the temple premises.

“We are ensuring that the token system is followed at the temple,” he said.

“We have learnt that some anti-social elements are creating trouble, including robbing pilgrims. Police have been informed, and they are taking action,” he added.

He said inspections were being conducted and several pony operators who were not following the norms had been blacklisted.

“We are making arrangements for pilgrims to sit and are also creating holding areas for those arriving by helicopter,” the DM said.