Dehradun, 20 July (H.S.): Continuous heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand has increased risks across the state, prompting authorities to temporarily suspend the Char Dham Yatra on Monday as a precautionary measure. The decision was taken in view of warnings issued by the Meteorological Centre and reports of landslides at several stretches along the pilgrimage routes.

Prioritising the safety of pilgrims, the administration halted the operation of the Char Dham Yatra until further orders. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has issued alerts for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several districts of the state and advised people to avoid unnecessary travel.

Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swarup has directed all district magistrates and officials associated with the Char Dham Yatra to ensure that pilgrims currently travelling on the routes are moved to safe locations. He instructed authorities to allow further movement only after the routes are declared completely safe.

The commissioner also directed officials to ensure that authentic and timely information reaches pilgrims and the public through media and other communication channels to prevent rumours and confusion.

The administration said the decision was taken as a precautionary step due to adverse weather conditions and safety concerns along the pilgrimage routes. The Char Dham Yatra will resume once the routes become safe and normal conditions return. Authorities have urged devotees to rely only on official updates and follow instructions issued by the district administration.

According to the Meteorological Centre, Dehradun, most parts of Uttarakhand are likely to witness light to moderate rainfall on Monday, with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall expected at several locations.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated instances of extremely heavy showers, has been forecast in parts of Dehradun, Tehri and Haridwar districts. Other districts may also experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and intense spells of rain.

Intermittent rainfall has continued across the state since morning. The weather department reported significant rainfall in several areas during the past 24 hours. Manual rain gauge stations recorded 220 mm of rainfall in Shama, 97 mm in Kapkot, 92 mm in Bangapani and 91 mm in Loharkhet.

Automatic weather stations recorded 109 mm rainfall each in Pokhari and Didihat, 108 mm in Kichha and 103.5 mm in Maldevta.

For Dehradun, the forecast indicates generally cloudy skies throughout the day, with multiple spells of moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms. Some areas may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall. The maximum temperature is expected to remain around 28 degrees Celsius.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar