Kedarnath Yatra Halted After Landslide Blocks Pilgrimage Trek Route

The annual Kedarnath Yatra was temporarily suspended on Wednesday after a rain-triggered landslide blocked a section of the trekking route near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district. Authorities halted the movement of pilgrims as a precautionary measure after rocks and debris fell onto the path, disrupting access to the Himalayan shrine. Officials said the decision was taken to ensure the safety of devotees while restoration work was initiated at the affected site.

According to officials, the landslide occurred near Chhodi, around one kilometre beyond Gaurikund on the Kedarnath trekking route. Large rocks and debris covered the pathway, making it unsafe for pilgrims to proceed. District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar said devotees were immediately stopped at secure locations after authorities received information about the incident, preventing anyone from entering the affected stretch until it is cleared.

Restoration work began soon after the landslide, with teams from the Public Works Department (PWD) and other concerned agencies deployed to remove debris and reopen the route. Officials said machinery and personnel were working to clear the obstruction as quickly as possible while ensuring that safety standards are maintained. The administration is continuously assessing the stability of the area before allowing pilgrims to resume their journey.

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The district administration has also intensified monitoring of the situation, with teams from the District Disaster Management Authority and the police remaining on high alert. In addition, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been kept ready for immediate deployment if weather conditions worsen or further emergency assistance becomes necessary. Authorities are maintaining close coordination among all departments to respond swiftly to any developments.

Officials have appealed to pilgrims to remain calm, cooperate with security personnel, and strictly follow the directions issued by the administration. They emphasised that movement on the Kedarnath trek route will resume only after the affected section is thoroughly inspected and declared safe for travel. The incident highlights the challenges posed by monsoon conditions in the Himalayan region, where landslides and falling debris frequently disrupt pilgrimage routes and require heightened vigilance from both authorities and travellers.

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