160 pilgrims stuck in Kedarnath
The Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib yatra have been suspended for the next three days in view of heavy rain in upper reaches of the Himalayas. Talking to mediapersons, State Tourism Minister Dinesh Dhanai said that in view of weather alert, “we decided to suspend the yatra till July 18. later, the department concerned will review the weather situation on July 19 and they will take a decision about whether to resume yatra or keep it suspended for few more days.”
Currently, 160 pilgrims have been struck between lincholi to Kedarnath till filing the report. “As a precautionary measure, we did not allow 130 pilgrims, who had reached Sonprayag to pursue their journey to Kedarnath, on Wednesday and they were categorically told that the situation will be reviewed with the consulation of the weather department on July 18 evening and on July 19 morning; thereafter, we will be able to take a call on the exact situation.”
Talking to The Pioneer, Rudraprayag DM Dr Raghav langer said: “The yatra to Kedarnath has been suspended because the road between Rishikesh-Sonprayag is blocked at more than a dozen places. Even Sonprayag bailey bridge has been damaged partially. Besides it, landslide took place between lincholi to Kedarnath around six places. Even the Mandakini river water level has increased. Although it has not touched the danger mark, the situation may go out of control; so we decided to suspend the yatra till July 18.”
Dr langer further said: “On Tuesday, 200 pilgrims were allowed to visit Kedarnath out of which 37 pilgrims were brought back from Gaurikund to Soneprayag. The remaining 168 pilgrims, including five pilgrims, who went to Kedarnath earlier are yet to be brought back. As a precautionary measure, we have called our helicopter and if anyone needs air evacuation, they will be provided by the district administration.” As a precautionary measure six employee, who were deployed at Jangalchatti and Bhimbali, were also called back to Soneprayag. Besides it, 387 employee including police, SDRF and other officials are still stationed between Soneprayag to Kedarnath.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of the state over the next 48 hours beginning Wednesday. However, the IMD said the rainfall will not be anywhere close to the one witnessed last year that led to the June 16-17 flash floods. Reports said heavy rainfall has been lashing Joshimath since last night, and Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers are on the surge.