A sudden landslide in the Munkatiya area between Sonprayag and Gaurikund on the Shri Kedarnath Yatra route blocked the main road late Tuesday night, leaving a large number of pilgrims stranded. Authorities launched an immediate overnight rescue and restoration operation to ensure the pilgrimage could continue.
Landslide Strikes Kedarnath Route
Officials reported that the landslide occurred around 9:16 pm on Tuesday, triggered by unstable hill conditions, continuous debris flow, heavy pilgrim traffic, and adverse weather. The blockade left devotees stuck midway in difficult terrain under dark and unsafe conditions.
Swift Rescue Operation Launched
Upon receiving information from the District Control Room in Rudraprayag, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) team from Sonprayag, led by Sub-Inspector Ashish Dimri, rushed to the spot with rescue equipment. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also joined the operation.
Throughout the night, SDRF and NDRF personnel conducted coordinated rescue and relief efforts, evacuating pilgrims and clearing the route despite continuous falling debris and harsh weather conditions in the mountainous terrain. According to officials, the combined operation safely evacuated over 10,000 pilgrims, preventing a larger crisis on the busy pilgrimage corridor.
Ongoing Challenges on Yatra Route
The incident occurred amid already disrupted conditions on the Kedarnath Yatra route, where landslides and weather fluctuations have repeatedly affected movement along the stretch between Sonprayag, Gaurikund, and the higher Himalayan route leading to Kedarnath Temple.
In a similar development, helicopter services to Kedarnath have been repeatedly suspended due to rapidly changing weather conditions in the valley, particularly during afternoon hours. Authorities have advised pilgrims to plan cautiously and follow official updates, stressing that safety remains the top priority.
Authorities Emphasize Safety
Rudraprayag District Magistrate Vishal Mishra stated that weather in the region can turn extreme without warning, and helicopter operations are being regulated strictly under safety guidelines. He added that operators have been directed to extend all possible assistance to stranded pilgrims.
Sanitation and Environmental Efforts
Meanwhile, sanitation work continues along the trekking route from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, where officials reported that nearly 25 tonnes of waste have been collected as part of an ongoing cleanliness and eco-friendly pilgrimage campaign.
Pilgrim Statistics and Health Concerns
Data from Dehradun-based think tank Social Development for Communities (SDC) showed a marginal decline in overall Char Dham Yatra footfall in the first month, even as Kedarnath recorded a slight increase in pilgrim numbers.
Authorities estimate that around 55,000 pilgrims are currently visiting the Char Dham shrines daily, with numbers expected to rise further as the peak pilgrimage season approaches.
Officials also confirmed that 53 pilgrims have died due to health-related complications since the start of the Yatra on April 19, underscoring the continued challenges of high-altitude travel amid unpredictable weather and heavy footfall.
