Dehradun: The Char Dham Yatra has resumed in Uttarakhand barely 24 hours after it was suspended due to heavy rainfall and landslides across the state. This decision has triggered serious concerns, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) continues to maintain a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in several districts, including those housing the sacred Char Dham shrines. Even temples across Uttarakhand have not been spared from the onslaught of nature.
While pilgrimages to Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Gangotri have restarted, the Yamunotri route remains closed for a second consecutive day. It may be recalled that a cloudburst near Silai Band on Saturday night washed away a 20-metre stretch of the Yamunotri Highway, stranding hundreds of pilgrims at Syana Chatti. Tragically, nine labourers were swept away in the resulting flash flood. So far, two bodies have been recovered from the Yamuna River at Barkot, while the search continues for the remaining seven. Rescue operations are ongoing, though efforts to reach a lake formed in the Yamuna River at Syana Chatti are being hindered by poor access for heavy machinery.
Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, who had initially suspended the Yatra on 29 June citing adverse conditions, lifted the restriction this morning after a review. He stated that the district magistrates concerned have been authorised to impose local suspensions based on evolving weather conditions. Authorities have also been directed to ensure proper arrangements for pilgrims at safe locations and to halt vehicles at designated holding points if necessary.
