Yatra to Kedarnath remains suspended      

Dehradun, July 24: With the Rishikesh-Kedarnath National Highway blocked at Doliyadevi near Fata and intermittent rains continuing, district authorities today decided to keep the Kedarnath yatra suspended till July 26.

The highway to Kedarnath as well as Guptkashi-Kalimath motor road is blocked by boulders following landslips and nearly half a dozen places in Kedar valley are being lashed by moderate showers.

In view of the weather situation, the district administration has decided to keep the yatra suspended till July 26, an official release here said. Moderate rains are lashing Kedarnath, Linchauli, Bhimbali, Junglechatti and Gaurikund in the valley, it said.

However, the water levels of Alaknanda and Mandakini in Rudraprayag district are showing a receding trend with both of them flowing nearly five metres down the danger mark.

Yatra to Kedarnath had been suspended on July 16 amid a MeT department warning of heavy rains in the area. Though suspended initially for three days only it has not been opened till now.

However, yatra to Badrinath which resumed yesterday after nearly a week-long suspension continued with another batch of 140 pilgirms leaving Joshimath for the temple this morning. The highway to the famous Himalayan shrine is open for both small and big vehicles, it said.

Yatra to Gangotri shrine is also going on uninterrupted with NH 108 which leads to the temple open for both big and small vehicles. However, pilgrimage to Yamunotri was partially affected today with the highway to the temple open for vehicles only till Janakichatti, the release said.

PTI