Dehradun, July 20: The Uttarakhand state administration temporarily suspended the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage following intense rainfall, elevated landslide risks, and severe weather warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department.
Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey instructed regional authorities to secure shelter arrangements for travelers currently stationed along the pilgrimage corridors.
“Pilgrims will be allowed to continue their journey only after the roads and routes are declared safe,” Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey stated.
The decision comes as precipitation severely impacts high-altitude sectors. In Rudraprayag district, 24-hour rainfall measurements recorded 22 mm in Rudraprayag proper, 77 mm in Ukhimath, and 53 mm in Jakholi. The sustained downpours pushed major regional waterways toward warning thresholds, with the Alaknanda River reaching 625.00 metres and the Mandakini River measuring 624.15 metres. Surge waters submerged several structures constructed under the Namami Gange project.
The District Emergency Operations Centre placed public safety and emergency services on high readiness. Regional officers received mandates to maintain continuous public updates through verified communication channels to prevent miscommunication during the suspension period.
