The Char Dham Yatra, one of the most sacred and spiritually significant pilgrimages in India, resumed on Monday after being temporarily suspended for 24 hours. The suspension was imposed due to heavy monsoon rains, a deadly cloudburst, and a devastating landslide that struck near Barkot in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district. These natural calamities created dangerous travel conditions along the Yamunotri route, which is part of the traditional four-temple yatra circuit in the Garhwal Himalayas.
On Sunday morning, torrential rain hit several areas of the state, triggering a cloudburst that led to a massive landslide near Silai Band on the Barkot-Yamunotri road. As a result, the state authorities, following a red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), immediately suspended the yatra to prevent any loss of life among pilgrims. The decision, though disappointing for thousands of devotees, was widely welcomed as a precautionary step to safeguard public safety during extreme weather conditions.
Official Announcement: Ban Lifted After 24 Hours
After assessing the situation, Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed that the 24-hour ban on the Char Dham Yatra had been lifted. Speaking to ANI News Agency, Pandey stated, “The ban has been lifted, and we have instructed all District Magistrates along the yatra route to keep monitoring the weather and road conditions carefully. Vehicles will only be allowed to proceed based on the current climatic status of their respective areas.”
This announcement brought much-needed relief to pilgrims and tourism stakeholders, especially after the abrupt halt of the journey caused uncertainty among thousands of travelers who had planned their spiritual visit during this period.
The Tragedy: Cloudburst and Landslide Near Paligad
The impact of the cloudburst was most severe near Paligad, approximately four kilometers ahead on the Yamunotri National Highway, a key route for pilgrims heading to the Yamunotri shrine. The sudden deluge caused a part of the mountain to collapse, resulting in a landslide that swept away construction workers who were working along the road.
Two workers were tragically killed, and seven others are still missing, according to official reports. The deceased were identified as 43-year-old Kewal Bisht from Rajapur district in Nepal and 55-year-old Duje Lal from Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh. Their deaths have deeply saddened both local communities and the larger circle of travelers and staff associated with the yatra.
Ongoing Rescue Operations for the Missing Workers
Following the incident, rescue teams were immediately deployed to the affected area. Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and the revenue department have joined hands in a multi-agency operation to locate the seven missing workers. Despite adverse weather and difficult terrain, search operations have continued relentlessly, with officials working round the clock to find survivors or recover remains.
Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed that repair work on the road leading to Yamunotri had already been completed. “The road washout caused before Silai Band has been repaired and made smooth for traffic, while other minor affected parts are still undergoing treatment,” Arya said. He also shared that the 33 KV power line in the affected area had been restored, and work is ongoing to repair the 11 KV power line to fully re-establish the region’s electricity network.
Red Alert and Heavy Rainfall Warning by IMD
The incident unfolded after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for heavy rainfall across several hill districts of Uttarakhand, including Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Haridwar, and Nainital. The alert was applicable for June 29 and 30, warning residents and travelers of potentially life-threatening weather.
This alert led to immediate suspension of the Char Dham Yatra, as a safety measure. Local authorities put all transport services on hold and instructed pilgrims to stay put in safer shelters or rest points until the weather cleared. While many pilgrims were naturally disappointed, the quick response by authorities is being praised for likely preventing a larger tragedy.
Monsoon Arrives Early and Intensifies Hazards
Interestingly, the monsoon season arrived nearly a week earlier than expected in northern India, bringing widespread showers to Delhi, Uttarakhand, and surrounding regions. These early rains have already started to expose the fragile infrastructure in hilly terrains, leading to landslides, road blockages, and rising water levels in several rivers and streams.
As the monsoon progresses, experts are warning of recurring threats, including flash floods, road erosion, and communication breakdowns in remote regions. The Char Dham route, known for its challenging terrain and steep inclines, becomes especially vulnerable during this season.
Char Dham Yatra: Spiritual Significance and Seasonal Risks
The Char Dham Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage circuit that includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, all nestled in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Devotees believe that completing this holy journey washes away sins and paves the way for moksha or salvation.
Each year, lakhs of pilgrims from across India and the world undertake this yatra with deep faith and devotion. However, the monsoon season, which typically lasts from June to September, brings multiple challenges to the Himalayan state. The same lush mountains that offer serenity also pose dangerous landslides, rockfalls, and cloudbursts, especially when the region receives intense rainfall in a short span of time.
To ensure safety, state officials often have to take tough calls, including temporarily closing down routes or halting the yatra altogether when needed. In 2013, a similar combination of weather and terrain led to the Kedarnath disaster, resulting in over 5,000 deaths and widespread destruction.
Restoration Work Being Done on War Footing
After Sunday’s disaster, local and state authorities were quick to respond. Repair work on the damaged sections of the Barkot-Yamunotri road was taken up on priority, with teams working late into the night to restore traffic and ensure safe movement for emergency vehicles and stranded travelers.
In addition to road work, authorities also focused on restoring basic services like electricity, drinking water, and mobile communication, which are often the first to get affected during such disasters. Mobile health vans and emergency medical teams have also been deployed along the route to respond to any health-related issues pilgrims might face during their resumed journey.
Advisory for Pilgrims and Tourists
Given the current conditions, the Uttarakhand government has issued strict advisories for all travelers. Pilgrims planning to start or resume their journey are being advised to check weather forecasts, follow real-time updates, and listen to instructions issued by local authorities.
Travel is being regulated depending on terrain stability, road condition, and rainfall updates. Pilgrims have been advised to avoid traveling at night, carry emergency kits, and ensure that they are staying in government-authorized shelters or hotels. Private tour operators have also been instructed to keep pilgrims well-informed and avoid risky movement.
Faith, Preparedness, and Nature’s Unpredictability
The resumption of the Char Dham Yatra after the tragic event marks a return of faith and resilience for the people of Uttarakhand. While the loss of two lives and the ongoing search for missing individuals casts a shadow over the spiritual journey, it also highlights the importance of preparedness and coordination in managing natural disasters.
Officials have reiterated that every life matters, and they are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that such tragedies are minimized in future. The Uttarakhand government, along with central agencies, continues to work on building weather-resilient infrastructure, including improved drainage, road retaining walls, and early warning systems to alert travelers in advance.
As thousands continue their pilgrimage in search of divine blessings, the unfolding events remind us of the delicate balance between man, faith, and nature in the majestic Himalayas. With the right blend of faith, responsibility, and caution, the Char Dham Yatra can continue to inspire, heal, and uplift countless souls—even in the face of adversity.
