Heavy snowfall in Uttarakhand halts Char Dham Yatra

Dehradun, May 8: Heavy snowfall in Uttarakhand has led to a halt in Char Dham Yatra as Kedarnath and Badrinath Yatra routes have been closed due to bad weather.

According to the Meteorological Department alert, late-night weather patterns in Dehradun and adjoining areas were severe and strong winds left. After heavy winds, rain started in most parts of Uttarakhand.

At the same time, the local district administration has issued alerts on the Chardham yatra routes due to the rains. Rudraprayag District Magistrate Mangesh Ghildiyal said pilgrims have been asked to wait at Yatra halts, namely Bhimbali and Linchauli till the weather improves. He added that there is a two-three inch of snow around the shrine at present.

According to the Meteorological Department, two days in Uttarakhand may be challenging. A warning has been issued that after the hailstorm, the winds will run at 70 to 80 kmph. Last week, in Kumaon, four people lost their lives. In this, schools have been declared a holiday in Dehradun, Uttarkashi, Tehri, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Haridwar, Almora and Bageshwar till 12th.

Since Monday morning, snowfall began with rain in all four Dhams. With the Garhwal division, many areas of Kumaon have been experiencing intermittent rains. Due to snowfall in Hemkund, the work of preparations for the trip has stalled. On the same day, Badrinath highway near Dambarkot, Yamunotri highway was blocked by a landslide near Lambabgarh. Badrinath pilgrims were stopped in Pandukeshwar, Badrinath, Joshimath for security reasons.