The rain has not only slowed down the pace of the pilgrimage to Yamunotri but has also brought in its wake a host of other problems.The Yamunotri-Janki Chatti bridle path has become
structurally weak near Bhidiyaligaad. Due to this, the movement of mules and horses on the route has become risky and pilgrims are heading for the Yamunotri shrine on foot. The consistent rains and recurring landslides have caused a stretch of the route about 100 metres long near Bhidiyaligaad to become structurally weak.
Due to this the mule owners have stopped crossing this patch, forcing pilgrims to scale the steep mountain road for about two and a half kilometres. Now, the mule owners have started helping people cross this risky stretch of the route on foot and then carrying them on mules or horses from the other side. This is causing much inconvenience for the pilgrims, especially the elderly. According to Rakesh Singh and Vijay Pal who ferry pilgrims on mules to Yamunotri, if the structurally weakened stretch of the route is not treated soon the situation could lead to a major mishap.
The temple committee officials also agree that if the route is not repaired as required on time, the bridle path could be damaged considerably which might even lead to the Yamunotri shrine being cut off from the access route.