The Kedarnath Yatra has been temporarily suspended following heavy rainfall and worsening weather conditions across Uttarakhand, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures to safeguard pilgrims.
Officials said the decision was taken after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for several parts of the state, warning of rain, thunderstorms and snowfall in higher-altitude regions. The suspension is being treated as a temporary measure, and the pilgrimage will resume once weather conditions improve and the route is deemed safe for travel.
Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swaroop said the safety of devotees remains the administration's top priority, and pilgrims have been stopped from proceeding further until conditions stabilise.
Pilgrims held at designated halt points
According to News 18, authorities have instructed officials to regulate the movement of pilgrims and prevent them from travelling towards Kedarnath until further notice.
As part of the safety arrangements, devotees are being accommodated at designated halt points, including Srinagar and other locations along the pilgrimage route. Officials are continuously monitoring weather conditions and road accessibility before deciding on the resumption of the yatra.
The administration has urged pilgrims to cooperate with authorities and follow official advisories issued from time to time.
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IMD forecasts rain, thunderstorms and snowfall
According to the IMD, light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is likely across several districts of Uttarakhand over the coming days.
According to News 18, snowfall has also been forecast in higher reaches situated above 3,500 metres, particularly in districts such as Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh.
The weather department has warned that precipitation in the hills could affect visibility, road conditions and travel operations in several regions.
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Authorities urge caution amid adverse weather
According to News 18, officials have advised residents, tourists and pilgrims to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable areas. Adverse weather conditions, including landslides, slippery roads and reduced visibility, remain a concern in the mountainous terrain.
The ongoing weather activity is expected to impact pilgrimage and tourism-related movement, especially in high-altitude areas associated with the Char Dham Yatra. Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored, and further decisions regarding the Kedarnath Yatra will be taken based on updated weather assessments and ground conditions.
Pilgrims have been advised to rely only on official updates before planning their onwards journey to the Himalayan shrine.
