Heavy rainfall and subsequent landslides have caused significant disruptions along the Adi Kailash Yatra route, stranding hundreds of pilgrims in Uttarakhand. Adi Kailash, also known as Shiva Kailash or Chota Kailash, is a revered mountain located in the Pithoragarh district, and the pilgrimage to this site is considered highly sacred.
The recent incidents involve multiple landslides that have washed away significant stretches of roads, leaving pilgrims stranded in various locations. For instance, a landslide washed away nearly 100 meters of road. These landslides not only disrupt the journey but also pose serious safety risks to the pilgrims.
Rescue operations are underway, with joint teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), revenue police, and Seema Suraksha Bal (SSB) working to evacuate those stranded. In one operation, over 180 pilgrims returning from Adi Kailash were rescued from Najang, where they had been stranded since Tuesday following a massive landslide. Approximately 46 pilgrims, including 30 from Tamil Nadu, 10 from Punjab, and one from Delhi, were successfully airlifted to safer locations after being stranded due to a landslide at Chaitakot.
Despite rescue efforts, many pilgrims remain stranded, particularly near Gunji. The administration is working to provide alternative routes for evacuation, prioritizing those with urgent travel needs. Medical teams have also been dispatched to provide assistance to those affected. Local residents have also played a crucial role by offering shelter and support to the stranded pilgrims. Twenty-three pilgrims were rescued from Tawaghat, where local residents provided shelter for four days.
The Adi Kailash Yatra, which commenced on May 4th, is managed by both private agencies and the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN). The route to Adi Kailash diverges from the Kailash-Mansarovar route at Gunji, following the Sharda River towards Dharchula base camp. The Yatra has faced previous disruptions due to heavy snow and blocked routes, highlighting the challenges posed by the region's unpredictable weather conditions. Earlier this year, the first batch of pilgrims had to return without reaching Adi Kailash due to heavy snowfall blocking the Jonglingkong route.
The Uttarakhand government, along with various agencies, is working to restore the blocked highways and ensure the safe passage of pilgrims. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is closely monitoring the rescue operations, directing authorities to act swiftly to evacuate those stranded and provide necessary assistance. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has also intervened to ensure the safe return of pilgrims from Tamil Nadu, coordinating with Uttarakhand officials and offering support.
While rescue and relief operations continue, the incident underscores the vulnerability of pilgrimage routes in mountainous regions to natural disasters. Efforts are being made to restore the blocked roads, with authorities estimating that the highways will be operational in a few days.
