RUDRAPRAYAG: Around 1,500 pilgrims who were stranded along the Kedarnath trek route in Uttarakhand following a landslide have been safely evacuated, officials said on Monday.
The pilgrims were stranded in the Chirbasa area, around 3 kilometres from Gaurikund, after a landslide blocked the trekking route late on Sunday night. Continuous rockfalls from the hillside also made movement in the area dangerous.
A joint team of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and District Disaster Response Force (DDRF) was deployed to carry out the rescue operation.
According to an SDRF statement, the Sonprayag police first received information that a large number of pilgrims were trapped in the Chirbasa area. An SDRF team from Sonprayag, led by Sub-Inspector Ashish Dimri, immediately moved towards the affected stretch.
When the team reached the site, rescuers found a significant amount of debris and boulders accumulated near the Chirbasa helipad following the landslide.
The situation was made more difficult by continuing rockfalls from the hillside. With the route considered unsafe, disaster response teams carefully guided the stranded pilgrims through the affected section.
The pilgrims were escorted across the landslide zone and safely moved to the other side before being sent onwards towards Gaurikund, officials said.
The coordinated operation involved personnel from the SDRF, NDRF and DDRF, who worked together to ensure that the stranded pilgrims could be moved out of the hazardous area safely.
The rescue comes amid difficult weather conditions in Uttarakhand. The Char Dham Yatra remained suspended for the second consecutive day on Sunday because of incessant heavy rainfall, according to officials.
The suspension of the pilgrimage has affected movement on several routes and prompted authorities to step up monitoring of vulnerable stretches, particularly areas prone to landslides and rockfalls.
The Kedarnath route is particularly vulnerable during periods of heavy rainfall because of its mountainous terrain. Landslides and falling rocks can block trekking routes with little warning, creating additional risks for pilgrims and rescue teams.
Authorities have continued to advise pilgrims and trekkers to follow official instructions and avoid entering areas where movement has been restricted because of adverse weather.
The successful evacuation of the 1,500 pilgrims brings relief amid the ongoing disruption caused by heavy rain. However, with the Char Dham Yatra remaining suspended and weather conditions continuing to pose challenges, authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance along the pilgrimage routes.
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