Rudraprayag: Continuous rainfall over the past two days has disrupted life across Uttarakhand, forcing the temporary suspension of the Kedarnath Yatra until August 14 to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
Heavy downpours have swollen rivers, overflowed mountain streams, and triggered landslides, blocking several key routes in the hills. Low-lying areas in the plains are waterlogged, adding to the transport chaos.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for Haridwar, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall. Orange Alerts are in place for Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Champawat, and Bageshwar, with forecasts of intense showers. Light to moderate rain is expected elsewhere in the state.
In Dehradun, the district administration has declared a holiday for all schools from classes 1 to 12, as well as Anganwadi centres, on August 12. The order applies to both students and staff, following the IMD’s heavy rainfall alert.
Rudraprayag District Magistrate Prateek Jain, in a video statement, urged people living near rivers and water bodies to shift to safer locations.
“We are monitoring the water levels closely and keeping a watch on the weather. Police, public works, and disaster management teams are on alert,” he said, adding that Yatra resumption updates will be provided when conditions improve.
Authorities have increased security, activated disaster management protocols, and urged residents and visitors to follow official advisories. The Uttarakhand Police have also cautioned travellers to adjust their plans according to weather updates.
Situated over 11,000 feet above sea level, the Kedarnath temple is one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. This year’s Yatra began on May 2 but has now been paused due to the dangerous monsoon conditions.
