Uttarakhand’s Char Dham Yatra Suspended Amidst Heavy Rainfall Warning

In response to a severe weather alert, the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand has been suspended for a period of 24 hours. The Garhwal Division Commissioner, Vinay Shankar Pandey, confirmed the suspension on Sunday, citing the IMD’s forecast of heavy rain and thunderstorms across the state. This precautionary measure aims to protect pilgrims from potential landslides and flooding, which are common hazards during heavy rainfall in the mountainous terrain. Police and administrative officials have been tasked with halting pilgrims at various locations, including Haridwar, Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Sonprayag, and Vikasnagar. The resumption of the Yatra will depend on a review of weather conditions and route assessments. Earlier this week, landslides and falling debris had already prompted traffic restrictions on the Sonprayag–Munkatiya road in Rudraprayag, highlighting the challenges posed by the ongoing rainfall. Relief and rescue teams are on standby, and the administration has urged devotees to follow issued guidelines.