The local authorities have halted the Kedarnath Yatra at Sonprayag because of heavy showers and snowfall. The Rudraprayag Circle Officer, Pramod Ghildiyal, informed the media on Tuesday, May 24. The helicopter services from Phata and Gaurikund also stay suspended, he added.
The suspension of the Kedarnath Yatra occurred on Monday as the clouds were bucketing down in the region. The devotees, who were on their way to the shrine, halted at places between Kedarnath and Gaurikund. The Rudraprayag Administration, recalling the 2013 Kedarnath tragedy wistfully, pleaded to the devotees to pause their pilgrimage. It also requested the pilgrims to dwell at their respective places.
The Rudraprayag District Magistrate stopped the pilgrims who worshipped at the Lord Shiva’s Temple in Kedarnath from initiating their return journey. On the other hand, the officials stopped the people preparing to proceed from the Gaurikund basecamp. The administration took such steps to ensure the safety of people and prevent any further accidents.
The Chardham Yatra began with the inauguration of Gangotri and Yamunotri portals for pilgrims. They opened on the occasion of Akshay Tritiya on May 3. In addition to this, the event took place in the presence of CM Pushkar Singh Dhami. Kedarnath re-opened on May 6, while the doors of Badrinath opened on May 8.
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