RUDRAPRAYAG, July 22: The Kedarnath pilgrimage was temporarily suspended on Wednesday after a landslide blocked a section of the trekking route near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand, forcing authorities to stop the movement of devotees as a precautionary measure.
The landslide occurred near Chhodi, located around one kilometre ahead of Gaurikund on the Kedarnath trek route, following heavy rainfall in the region. The sudden collapse brought large rocks and debris onto the pathway, making it unsafe for pilgrims to continue their journey.
Officials said devotees travelling towards Kedarnath were immediately stopped at designated safe locations after authorities received information about the blockage. The decision was taken to prevent any untoward incident amid concerns over further landslide activity in the rain-affected area.
District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar said teams from the Public Works Department (PWD) and other government agencies reached the affected site and started clearance operations to remove debris from the route.
He added that the situation was being closely monitored by the District Disaster Management Authority and police teams, who were conducting safety assessments and coordinating response measures on the ground.
The administration has kept the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) on standby to deal with any emergency situation if required.
Officials said restoration work would continue until the trekking route is cleared and certified safe for movement. Pilgrims have been advised to remain patient, avoid taking unnecessary risks and follow instructions issued by local authorities.
The Kedarnath pilgrimage route is located in a Himalayan region that remains vulnerable to landslides, rockfalls and weather-related disruptions, especially during the monsoon season. Authorities have been maintaining heightened vigilance to ensure the safety of thousands of devotees visiting the holy shrine.