Rudraprayag, September 1(HS): In view of continuous heavy rainfall and landslides affecting the region, the Kedarnath Yatra has been temporarily suspended from September 1 to September 3. The Uttarakhand administration has taken this step prioritizing the safety and well-being of pilgrims and residents following weather warnings issued by the Meteorological Department.

District Magistrate Prateek Jain announced that all related departments have been instructed to remain alert and prepared during this period of intense rainfall. With a red alert in place for Rudraprayag and several other districts, the administration urged travelers to postpone their pilgrimage and stay indoors for their safety. Pilgrims already on the route were advised to seek shelter at safe locations and adhere strictly to official guidelines.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Shyam Singh Rana highlighted the severity of the weather forecast, emphasizing the continuous heavy rains expected over the next three days. The move to temporarily halt the yatra aims to prevent any untoward incidents due to adverse climatic conditions and ensure uninterrupted monitoring of river water levels and road conditions. The Kedarnath Temple, a revered shrine situated at an altitude exceeding 11,000 feet, draws thousands of devotees annually, making safety precautions critical during the monsoon season.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and will announce the resumption of the yatra once conditions improve and it is deemed safe for pilgrims to proceed. Meanwhile, residents and visitors were appealed to remain cautious and heed official advisories during this challenging weather phase.

This decision underscores the administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives amidst unpredictable and intense monsoon patterns in the Uttarakhand region.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar