Char Dham Yatra Resumes After Temporary Suspension Due to Heavy Rain

The Char Dham Yatra has resumed after a brief suspension caused by heavy rainfall and landslide threats in Uttarakhand. Officials confirmed the lifting of the ban, while cautioning that vehicle movement will be regulated based on local weather conditions. The suspension was a precautionary measure following a cloudburst incident that left several construction workers missing and resulted in fatalities. As heavy rains continue to affect the region, authorities are urging residents near riverbanks to stay alert and take necessary precautions. Read on for more details about the ongoing situation and safety measures.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 30, 2025, 12:22 IST

Resumption of Char Dham Yatra

Dehradun, June 30: The Char Dham Yatra has officially resumed following a 24-hour suspension, as confirmed by officials. This pause was implemented due to continuous rainfall and increased risks of landslides in Uttarakhand.

Vinay Shankar Pandey, the Garhwal Divisional Commissioner, stated, "The ban on the Char Dham Yatra has been lifted."

He emphasized that District Magistrates along the pilgrimage route have been directed to manage vehicle traffic according to the current weather conditions in their areas.

The suspension was initially enforced on Sunday as a safety measure to safeguard both pilgrims and local residents amid severe weather conditions.

Authorities had advised pilgrims to stay put and refrain from traveling to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri until the weather improved.

This decision came after a significant cloudburst near Silai on the Barkot-Yamunotri road in Uttarkashi district, which resulted in at least nine road construction workers going missing.

Tragically, two workers lost their lives, and seven others remain unaccounted for following the cloudburst incident near an under-construction hotel in Silai, which washed away a campsite where 29 workers were sheltered.

While 20 individuals were rescued, nine were reported missing, and it has been confirmed that two people have died. Search operations for the remaining seven are ongoing.

The Yamunotri National Highway faced blockages at several locations near Silai Band, significantly disrupting travel. Authorities at NH Barkot were notified to address the situation, and debris was subsequently cleared.

In other parts of the state, the National Highway near Nandprayag and Bhaneropani was also obstructed due to debris, while the Sonprayag-Munkatiya road in Rudraprayag, a crucial route for Kedarnath pilgrims, was closed due to landslides.

Heavy rainfall continues to impact various districts, including Chamoli, Pauri Garhwal, Dehradun, and Rudraprayag.

As river levels rise dangerously close to their banks, the administration has issued a new advisory urging residents near riverbanks to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.