The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand has been temporarily suspended for two days due to red and orange rain alerts issued for several districts by the meteorological department. The pilgrimage will remain suspended from Saturday, September 27, to Sunday, September 28.
Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swaroop has directed district magistrates to take necessary measures in their respective areas, news agency PTI reported.
The decision was taken keeping the safety of pilgrims travelling to the Char Dham shrines from different parts of India and abroad in mind. According to the order, the Yatra was suspended from Saturday afternoon because of the red rainfall alert and is expected to resume once weather conditions improve.
Uttarakhand Weather Alerts
The meteorological department has issued different levels of rainfall warnings across Uttarakhand.
On Saturday, a red alert for heavy rainfall is in place for Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar. Dehradun, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Almora are under an orange alert.
Haridwar, Uttarkashi and Tehri have been placed under a yellow alert for the day.
The warnings reflect the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall across several areas, with some locations also facing the possibility of extremely heavy rain.
Rain Forecast for Sunday
The weather situation is expected to remain active on Sunday. Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri and Haridwar are under a red alert, while an orange alert has been issued for Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Nainital and Rudraprayag.
Bageshwar, Almora, Champawat, Udham Singh Nagar and Pithoragarh are under a yellow alert for Sunday.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had directed officials to remain on high alert on Friday after the India Meteorological Department issued red and orange rainfall warnings for several districts.
Dhami also urged residents and tourists to exercise extreme caution and advised people to travel only when necessary after checking the latest weather and road conditions.
Landslide and Flood Risks Increase
The forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall, along with the possibility of extremely heavy rain in isolated areas, has raised concerns about landslides and road blockages in the hill districts. Rivers and streams could also experience increased water levels, while waterlogging may occur in the plains.
The Chief Minister asked people to follow instructions issued by local authorities and avoid going near rivers, streams, seasonal water channels and waterlogged areas during periods of heavy rain.
People have also been advised not to enter fast-flowing water and to exercise additional caution while travelling through vulnerable roads and landslide-prone stretches in the hills.
Dhami further urged parents to ensure that children stay away from rivers, streams and other potentially dangerous locations during the adverse weather conditions.
Disclaimer
Weather conditions and official travel restrictions can change depending on rainfall and road conditions. The information in this article is based on the weather alerts and administrative directions mentioned in the source material. Pilgrims and travellers should check the latest official advisories from Uttarakhand authorities and the meteorological department before planning their journey.