Dehradun: The Char Dham Yatra has been suspended for Tuesday and Wednesday in the interest of pilgrim safety, due to landslides blocking the routes at several locations and a heavy rainfall alert in Uttarakhand, according to the Commissioner of Garhwal Division.
The pilgrimage will resume once weather conditions improve, according to the officials.
As incessant monsoon showers continue to batter Uttarakhand, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several districts, prompting the state administration to step up precautionary measures and urge residents as well as pilgrims to remain vigilant.
In view of the forecast of heavy rainfall, the administration has appealed to people to stay away from rivers and streams, avoid non-essential travel, and exercise extreme caution while moving through hilly regions where the possibility of landslides remains high.
Authorities have also advised both local residents and tourists to strictly follow weather advisories and instructions issued by the Meteorological Department and district administrations.
As a precautionary measure amid the forecast of intense rainfall, all schools and Anganwadi centres across the affected areas will remain closed on Tuesday.
According to the weather department, heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning is likely in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Tehri and Pauri Garhwal districts over the coming hours.
Officials warned that continuous rainfall could significantly increase the risk of landslides, falling rocks and other weather-related hazards in the mountainous regions.
Heavy and continuous rainfall has also caused damage to the newly constructed bridge over the Tons River at Nanda Ki Chowki in Prem Nagar, disrupting traffic connectivity between Dehradun, Vikasnagar and neighbouring Himachal Pradesh.
(IANS)
