Given continuous heavy rainfall and landslide threats, the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand has been suspended for 24 hours. Officials have urged pilgrims to stay where they are and avoid travelling to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri until the weather stabilises.
Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed the decision, stating that the safety of pilgrims and property is the top priority. Relief and rescue teams have been placed on high alert, with further decisions to be made after a weather review.
The suspension follows a cloudburst near Silai Band on the Barkot&ndash;Yamunotri road, leaving at least nine labourers missing. They were working on hotel construction when a landslide swept through the area.
Key pilgrimage routes, including the Yamunotri National Highway, Nandprayag&ndash;Bhaneropani NH, and Sonprayag&ndash;Munkatiya road (toward Kedarnath), have been blocked due to landslides and debris. Movement has been halted at Sonprayag and Gaurikund for safety.
In Syanachatti, blocked drains are threatening riverside hotels and settlements. Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Pauri, and Dehradun are among the worst-affected districts as rivers swell dangerously.
Authorities have issued a fresh weather advisory urging people in low-lying and riverbank areas to remain vigilant and follow all safety protocols.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]

Char Dham Yatra Halted Amid Torrential Rain, Landslide Risk

Uttarakhand suspends pilgrimage for 24 hours to ensure the safety of pilgrims and locals

Char Dham Yatra Halted Amid Torrential Rain, Landslide Risk

Uttarakhand suspends pilgrimage for 24 hours to ensure the safety of pilgrims and locals

June 29, 2025 | 17:04 IST