Char Dham, Hemkund Sahib Yatras shelved for next 48 hrs

Char Dham Yatra and Hemkund Sahib Yatra have  been suspended for the next 48 hours after three bridges had collapsed. Around 6,800 pilgrims are learnt to be stuck midway. Heavy rains since Wednesday night have forced the administration to go for such steps, said  additional chief secretary Rakesh Sharma.  6800 pilgrims remaining struck midway of their pilgrimage, the administration would start rescue operation on Friday  morning.  Helicopters would be pressed into service to airlift the stranded. Besides,  other means like road and rope ways would be used too. He said the suspension of the yatras for  48 hours is a precautionary measure.  Chief minister Harish Rawat is monitoring things and seeking updates every two hours. “Things are now under control,”  Sharma assured.  

Talking to The Pioneer, Sharma said that they are on high alert, keeping in view the weather department’s heavy rain warning  for June 25-26.  “We have made alternative arrangements and helped the people to shift to safer  places. We are  removing debris every two/ three hours to  keep the roads open,” he  said.

With heavy rains triggering landslips for the pasttwo days, three bridges, including two between Pulma to Ghagaria, on way to Hemkund Sahib collapsed. One bridge or 100 meters road washed away at Sonprayat on way to Kedarnath. landslides are occurring in  Alaknanda valley too so 3000 pilgrims stuck at badrinath.  Gangotri got detached due  to  landslide at Sukhi Nala. However, Yamunotri Yatra has remained unaffected, ACS said.  

“As per the figures we have received, around 3000 pilgrims have  remained struck on way to Hemkund Sahib, 3000 at Badrinath and 800 at Kedarnath. We have kept 11 helicopters on standby mode. Five are stationed at Guptkashi. Four will take off from Sahastradara on Friday morning. Meanwhile, DMs and SPs of other districts have been stationed at their districts control rooms to keep close eyes on the developing situations. As all tributaries rivers are running in full flow,” Sharma informed. He  added that  the registration of pilgrims being done  at Rishikesh, would continue.