The Rudraprayag district administration on Friday imposed a ban on the movement of pilgrims and local residents along the under-construction Bheembali-Garud Chatti-Kedarnath route. This decision came after purported videos of tourists using the incomplete track were widely circulated on social media platforms.
Safety Concerns Prompt Ban
Officials have emphasized that the route remains unsafe as construction work is still in progress. Rudraprayag District Magistrate Vishal Mishra stated, "Continuous stonefall in hilly areas, slope slips, and other natural hazards persist, due to which an accident can occur at any time." He further noted that local traders, tent operators, and other stakeholders had repeatedly raised safety concerns and demanded a prohibition on movement along this route.
Background of the Route
The 1.8-meter-wide path is the traditional trekking route to Kedarnath, which was in use before the devastating flash floods of 2013. Following that disaster, the 5-meter-wide Lincholi route has served as the designated and safer trekking path for pilgrims.
Enforcement Measures
Officials have directed the police department and the District Disaster Management Authority to coordinate efforts to ensure that no pilgrim uses the under-construction route. Directions have also been issued to inform pilgrims about the designated route and advise them to travel only on approved and safe paths.
The ban underscores the administration's commitment to preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of all travelers heading to the revered Kedarnath shrine.
