The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand has been temporarily suspended for 24 hours due to a heavy rain alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The decision, announced on Sunday, June 29, 2025, aims to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey stated that the pilgrimage has been halted as a precautionary measure. Instructions have been given to police and administrative officials to stop pilgrims in various locations, including Haridwar, Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Sonprayag, and Vikasnagar. Pilgrims en route to the revered Hindu temples are urged to avoid proceeding further and remain where they are.
The suspension follows a cloudburst in Baligarh, along the Barkot-Yamunotri Marg in the Uttarkashi district, which caused severe damage to an under-construction hotel site. Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed that eight to nine workers at the site are missing, and the Yamunotri route has been severely impacted.
Heavy rainfall across several districts in Uttarakhand has led to road blockages, stranding passengers traveling to Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Hemkund Sahib. Authorities have mobilized machinery to clear obstructions and restore normal traffic flow. Chamoli Police are using social media to advise against unnecessary travel due to the heavy rain alert.
The IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall across all districts of Uttarakhand. A 7-day district-level weather forecast issued by the Meteorological Centre Dehradun indicates that light to moderate rain or thunderstorms are likely to occur in most places in Bageshwar, Nainital, Dehradun, and Champawat districts, and in many places in the remaining districts of Uttarakhand. There is also a chance of intense spells of rain in isolated places across the state.
The weather forecast for Uttarakhand includes:
The advisory also cautioned about potential hazards including damage to vulnerable structures, increased travel time due to road closures and low visibility, disruption to horticulture, and potential impact on helicopter and railway operations. District headquarters, private and government institutions, schools, hospitals, pilgrim places and tourist locations may also be affected. People are advised to move to safer places during lightning.
With the Char Dham Yatra suspended, stranded pilgrims are being accommodated in safe locations. The focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all those affected by the adverse weather conditions. Travelers are advised to stay informed about the latest developments and heed official advisories before undertaking any journeys in the affected regions of Uttarakhand.
