Dehradun,28 September (H.S.): The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand resumed on Monday following an improvement in weather conditions. Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Anand Swarup said necessary directions had been issued to all concerned district magistrates regarding the resumption of the pilgrimage. With the safety of pilgrims being the administration’s top priority, weather conditions and the status of the pilgrimage routes are being monitored continuously.

The Garhwal Commissioner said that, based on the forecast issued by the Meteorological Centre and in view of the safety of pilgrims and devotees, the Char Dham Yatra had been suspended from the afternoon of September 26 until September 27. During this period, the administration had decided to halt the pilgrimage in view of adverse weather conditions. The yatra has now resumed following an improvement in the weather.

He said the Char Dham pilgrimage routes pass through different districts, and weather and road conditions may vary from one area to another. Accordingly, the respective district magistrates may take necessary decisions regarding the operation of the pilgrimage after assessing local conditions in their jurisdictions. Arrangements may also be modified at the local level depending on the prevailing circumstances to ensure the safety of pilgrims.

The Commissioner said that if any area experiences extremely heavy rainfall, a pilgrimage route is blocked or weather conditions deteriorate again, the concerned district magistrate may temporarily suspend the yatra at the district level. The objective is to protect pilgrims from any potential risks and ensure that the pilgrimage is undertaken under safe conditions.

He said the administration was keeping a constant watch on the condition of the pilgrimage routes, along with forecasts issued by the Meteorological Department. The concerned departments and district administrations have been directed to remain vigilant and take appropriate action according to the prevailing situation.

The Commissioner appealed to devotees planning to undertake the Char Dham Yatra to obtain updated information about weather conditions and the status of the pilgrimage routes before beginning their journey. He also urged pilgrims to follow the guidelines issued by the administration and cooperate with the authorities’ decisions if weather conditions deteriorate or the routes become unsuitable for travel.

Meanwhile, the administration said the safety of pilgrims remains its highest priority throughout the Char Dham Yatra. In view of changing weather conditions, monitoring of the pilgrimage routes and necessary arrangements will continue.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar