Chardham Yatra Halted Due To Rain Alert; Pilgrims Advised Against Starting From Rishikesh

The Chardham Yatra was briefly delayed on Sunday due to the meteorological department’s forecast of severe to extremely heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal area on July 7-8.

Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey said, Given the meteorological department’s forecast of severe rains in the Garhwal division on July 7-8, all devotees are advised not to begin the Chardham Yatra beyond Rishikesh on July 7. It has been decided to postpone the Yatra for the safety of pilgrims.

Heavy rains in several regions of Uttarakhand over the past few days have caused landslides in the hills, with the roadway to Badrinath blocked at many locations by rubble falling from the slopes. On Saturday, two pilgrims from Hyderabad were murdered after they were struck by debris tumbling off the slope during a landslide at Chatwapeepal in Karnaprayag’s Chamoli district. They were returning from Badrinath on a motorbike when the tragedy occurred.

He advised those who have already begun the trek to remain wherever they are until the weather clears before continuing their journey.