Char Dham Yatra Ban Revoked, Authorities Urged to Ensure Pilgrim Safety

Dehradun (The Uttam Hindu): A 24-hour ban was imposed on the Char Dham Yatra on Sunday, which has now been lifted. Officials said on Monday that the ban on the Char Dham Yatra has been lifted and the Yatra has started once again.

Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey said that the 24-hour ban imposed on the Char Dham Yatra has now been lifted. He said that the District Magistrates of the districts falling on the Yatra route have been instructed to stop or move vehicles according to the weather conditions in their respective areas.

Let us tell you that in view of the continuous heavy rains and increasing danger of landslides in Uttarakhand, the Char Dham Yatra has been postponed for a day on Sunday.

Giving information about the postponement of the Yatra, Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey said on Sunday that the Chardham Yatra has been postponed for a day in view of the possibility of continuous heavy rains and landslides. This precautionary step has been taken to protect people and property. He urged the pilgrims to stay where they are and avoid traveling to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri until the situation improves. The administration of the concerned districts has been put on high alert and rescue and relief teams have been activated.

He said, "A decision on further travel will be taken after reviewing the weather conditions and routes. Devotees have been asked to follow the guidelines issued by the administration and not leave for the travel destinations until the weather becomes normal."

It is worth noting that due to the rain and landslides in the last few days, the roads are blocked at many places. The devotees who have come to visit Char Dham have been appealed to start their journey only after taking weather related information and to remain cautious during the journey.

The State Disaster Management Secretary has also advised people to avoid non-essential travel during the rains.