Kedarnath Yatra Temporarily Suspended Amid Heavy Rain Alert in Uttarakhand

The Kedarnath Yatra was temporarily suspended on Sunday due to adverse weather conditions in Uttarakhand, following an orange alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in the region.

Authorities in Rudraprayag district halted the pilgrimage as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of devotees travelling along the route to the Kedarnath shrine. Pilgrims already on the journey were directed to stay at the nearest designated holding centres until weather conditions improve.

District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar stated that the administration remains fully prepared to handle any emergency situation caused by severe weather.

“Following the orange alert for heavy rainfall and storms in Rudraprayag, instructions have been issued to stop all pilgrims at the nearest safe locations. Officials deployed in landslide-prone areas, including Sonprayag and Gaurikund, have been directed to ensure no pilgrim proceeds further until the weather clears,” Rajwar said.

According to officials, the yatra was halted at approximately 9:45 AM as a precautionary step. Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swarup also temporarily suspended the pilgrimage, prioritising the safety and well-being of pilgrims amid continuous rainfall and unfavourable weather conditions.

Swarup urged officials to remain at their designated locations, avoid rumours, and continue assisting pilgrims. He assured that the yatra would resume smoothly once weather conditions stabilise.

The administration has advised pilgrims to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts before travelling and strictly follow official guidelines. Authorities are continuously monitoring the situation and making necessary arrangements to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees.

Teams from the District Disaster Response Force (DDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with police personnel and sector magistrates, have been placed on high alert across vulnerable areas.

Fresh instructions regarding the resumption of the Kedarnath pilgrimage will be issued after a detailed reassessment of weather and safety conditions.

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