The Char Dham Yatra has been suspended for 24 hours in Uttarakhand because of a forecast of heavy rainfall across several districts. The Garhwal Division Commissioner, Vinay Shankar Pandey, announced the suspension on Sunday, instructing police and administrative officials to ensure compliance. The IMD has issued an alert for torrential rain and thunderstorms in the state. The suspension is a preventative measure to protect pilgrims from potential hazards such as landslides and flooding. Pilgrims are being stopped at key locations like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Sonprayag, and Vikasnagar. The decision on when to resume the Yatra will be based on a review of the weather conditions and route safety. Ongoing rainfall has already caused significant disruptions, including road blockages and landslides. The administration has mobilized relief and rescue teams and is advising devotees to stay informed and follow guidelines.
