Char Dham Yatra Suspended For Two Days As Heavy Rain, Landslides Hit Uttarakhand

The Char Dham Yatra has been suspended for Tuesday and Wednesday after heavy rainfall and landslides disrupted routes across Uttarakhand. The Garhwal Division Commissioner announced the decision, saying the pilgrimage has been halted in the interest of pilgrims’ safety as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of more intense rainfall.

Officials said the yatra will resume once weather conditions improve and travel routes are declared safe.

IMD issues orange alert for multiple districts

The IMD has issued an orange alert for several districts, forecasting heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.

The alert covers Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Tehri and Pauri Garhwal, where continuous rain is expected to increase the risk of landslides, falling rocks and other weather-related hazards.

Authorities urge people to avoid unnecessary travel

The state administration has appealed to residents, pilgrims and tourists to stay away from rivers and streams and avoid non-essential travel, particularly in hilly areas vulnerable to landslides.

Officials have also asked people to closely follow weather advisories issued by the IMD and district administrations until conditions improve.

Schools and Anganwadi centres closed

As a precaution, all schools and Anganwadi centres in the affected areas will remain closed on Tuesday due to the forecast of heavy rainfall.

The administration said the temporary closure is aimed at ensuring the safety of children and staff amid adverse weather conditions.

Heavy rain damages bridge, disrupts connectivity

Persistent rainfall has also damaged the newly constructed bridge over the Tons River at Nanda Ki Chowki in Prem Nagar, affecting road connectivity between Dehradun, Vikasnagar and neighbouring Himachal Pradesh.

Authorities are monitoring the situation as rescue and restoration teams remain on alert while heavy rain continues across parts of the state.