RUDRAPRAYAG, July 30 — The Kedarnath Yatra was temporarily suspended following heavy rainfall that triggered a major landslide approximately 200 metres beyond Gaurikund Gate, depositing mud, rocks, and boulders across the primary trekking track. Traffic along the Kedarnath Highway was also disrupted near Munkatiya due to falling debris, prompting joint disaster response teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and district administration to initiate site clearance operations.
Relocation efforts were immediately executed by local authorities to move stranded pilgrims from vulnerable zones along the route to designated safe holding locations.
“Reports of landslides were received from several locations late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning, including on the Kedarnath Highway, which serves as a key route for the Char Dham Yatra,” stated District Magistrate Vishal Mishra.
Officials noted that persistent rain and intermittent rockfalls continue to impact the pace of debris clearance across affected stretches. The district administration advised all pilgrims to halt movement toward the shrine until safety assessments are completed and official clearances are issued.
