Char Dham Yatra has been temporarily stopped after heavy rains, landslides and IMD alert in Uttarakhand. The administration has instructed to accommodate the pilgrims at safe places. Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers are flowing near the danger mark in Rudraprayag.
Temporary ban on Char Dham Yatra
Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand) [भारत]July 20 (ANI): The Uttarakhand administration has temporarily suspended the Char Dham Yatra as a precautionary measure in view of continuous heavy rains on Monday, red and orange alerts issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), and landslides at several places on the pilgrimage routes.
The Garhwal Commissioner has directed all concerned District Magistrates and officials to ensure that the pilgrims who are already on the yatra route are accommodated at safe places. They have also been directed to allow pilgrims to resume onward journey only after the routes are declared completely safe.
Authorities have also been asked to provide timely and accurate information to the pilgrims and public through media and other communication channels.
The administration said the decision has been taken purely as a precautionary measure, keeping in view the prevailing weather conditions and the condition of the yatra routes, while giving utmost priority to the safety of the pilgrims. The pilgrimage will resume once the route is declared safe and the situation becomes normal.
Pilgrims have been advised not to pay attention to rumours, rely only on official advisories issued by the administration, and follow the instructions of the concerned district authorities until the weather conditions improve.
Water level of rivers rises in Rudraprayag, alert issued
Meanwhile, due to incessant rains in Rudraprayag district, the water level of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers has increased rapidly, and both the rivers are approaching their warning level. The ghats developed under the Namami Gange project have been submerged due to the rising water level.
Rudraprayag district administration has directed all departments to remain on high alert as light rain and dense fog continue across the district. According to the administration, Rudraprayag recorded 22 mm rainfall in the last 24 hours, while Ukhimath received 77 mm rainfall and Jakholi received 53 mm rainfall.
As per the latest data, Alaknanda river is flowing at 625.00 meters and Mandakini river is flowing at 624.15 metres, both close to their respective warning levels. The water level was recorded at 799.90 meters in Ganga Nagar and 1,974.12 meters in Gaurikund.
The District Emergency Operation Center has directed all concerned departments to maintain the highest level of preparedness to deal with any rain-related emergency. Residents and pilgrims have also been advised to stay away from river banks and remain alert. (ANI)
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