Kedarnath Yatra, which was reopened on May 4, was halted due to inclement weather on Sunday. All pilgrims were asked to stay at Sonprayag till Monday and wait for the weather to clear up. At least 170 pilgrims are in between Gaurikund and Kedarnath, Rudraprayag DM Raghav langar told The Pioneer.
Kedarnath and Badrinath shrines were re-opened for the pilgrims on May 4 and May 5 respectively after June 2013 disaster known as Himalayan Tsunami. langer said, “We had allowed 170 pilgrims to Kedarnath from Sonprayag and then we stopped Yatra following the weather alert. We informed the pilgrims about the poor weather as rain and snowfall are reported in Kedar valley since morning.”
“We have appealed to the pilgrims to wait till weather clears as road have become slippery due to rain. Five to six feet snowfall was reported in between lincholi to Kedarnath. Most probably we would be able to bring down 110 pilgrims by Monday,” he added.
As per the official data 594 pilgrims were in between Gaurikund and Kedarnath. In which 450 pilgrims, who have paid obeisance to Kedarnath shrine, were brought back to Sonprayag with the help of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Remaining 140 pilgrims, including are camping in Gaurikund and Bhimbali. As a precautionary measure the State Government has suspended the Yatra till Monday. After reviewing the situation, the yatra would be resumed on May 13 if weather permits. Meanwhile, Kedarnath chief Priest Rawal Bhimashankar lingam has issued advisory to the pilgrims that to put their plan on hold for at least one week.
Slopes in between lincholi to Kedarnath are too steep which can cause problem to the old. Snow is still there in the area. The soil is wet. It will take at least 7-8 days more for the road leading to the shrine to be complete. Although State Government is working very hard to repair and construct the roads but it is expected take time. According to weather department, moderate rain or thunder storm would occur at many places in Uttarkashi, Chamoli and Rudraprayag district.
The State Government has made all arrangements including food and shelter for the pilgrims in between Sonprayag and Kedarnath. The annual pilgrimage was struck by the unprecedented flash floods last year causing large scale loss of lives and property. Over 5,000 people were dead or missing, including pilgrims from various parts of the country.