June 30,2025:
The Uttarakhand administration has temporarily halted the Char Dham Yatra for a period of 24 hours in response to a heavy rainfall warning issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The decision, announced late Sunday evening, was taken as a safety precaution to prevent any untoward incidents along the pilgrimage routes.
According to the IMD forecast, parts of the state—especially the districts of Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Uttarkashi, and Pauri Garhwal—are likely to experience intense rainfall accompanied by the risk of landslides and flash floods. A red alert has been sounded in these regions, prompting authorities to restrict the movement of devotees headed towards the Char Dham temples.
District officials have confirmed that pilgrims traveling to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri have been asked to remain at designated halting points. Travel beyond key checkpoints has been suspended until weather conditions stabilize. Local administrations are actively coordinating with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other emergency units to ensure public safety.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the safety of pilgrims remains the government’s top priority. “In light of the current weather situation and IMD’s alert, we have temporarily paused the yatra. All necessary arrangements have been made to ensure that pilgrims are safe and informed,” he stated.
The Char Dham Yatra, which attracts millions of devotees annually, has seen an exceptionally high turnout this year since it began in early May. However, the onset of the monsoon season has brought frequent challenges to the mountainous terrain, affecting both travel and infrastructure.
Tourism and disaster management authorities have advised visitors to closely follow weather updates and cooperate with officials. Helpline numbers and control rooms have been set up in vulnerable areas to provide assistance and guidance. The government has also activated mobile alerts and advisories to keep the public informed in real-time.
The suspension is expected to be lifted once the rainfall subsides and routes are declared safe. Until then, the state government has appealed to the public to exercise caution and avoid non-essential travel in the affected areas.
