Uttarakhand Suspends Char Dham Yatra After IMD Issues Red Alert For Rainfall

The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand has been suspended for 24 hours following a red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of extremely heavy rainfall across several districts. The announcement was made by Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, who stated that the measure was necessary to ensure the safety of pilgrims.

According to officials, all pilgrims who have reached Rishikesh have been stopped from moving further towards the Char Dham shrines - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Pilgrims already en route and beyond Rishikesh have been directed to halt at designated safe locations along the route until weather conditions improve.

The IMD's red alert specifically covers parts of the Garhwal and Kumaon regions, where the risk of landslides, flash floods, and road blockages remains high due to ongoing and forecasted heavy rainfall. These areas fall along major stretches of the Char Dham pilgrimage route.

"In view of the red alert for heavy rainfall, the Char Dham Yatra has been suspended for 24 hours. Pilgrims are being stopped at Rishikesh and other safe points to prevent any untoward incidents," Garhwal Commissioner Pandey said.

Authorities have issued an advisory asking all pilgrims to stay at designated shelters and refrain from traveling to hill areas until the suspension is lifted. Local administrations and emergency response teams, including disaster management forces, have been placed on high alert across vulnerable zones.

The annual Char Dham Yatra attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country, but the monsoon period often presents serious safety challenges. In recent years, incidents of landslides and road blockages have led to casualties and disruptions, prompting authorities to take strict precautionary measures during adverse weather forecasts.

Further updates on the resumption of the Yatra will be issued based on weather assessments by the IMD and ground conditions reported by local agencies.