Avalanche near Kedarnath raises concerns for Char Dham Yatra pilgrims

On the morning of September 3, an avalanche originating from the Sumeru mountain near Kedarnath has raised concerns for the safety of Char Dham Yatra pilgrims who have recently resumed their travels following floods in the region. Fortunately, no loss of life or property has been reported in this incident.

Avalanche details

The avalanche occurred at 7:30 am, according to Nandan Singh Rajwar, the District Disaster Management Officer at Rudraprayag. It took place in an area of the glacier situated in the upper region of Charbari Tal, approximately four kilometers from Kedarnath. The avalanche created a visible cloud of snow that lingered for five to seven minutes.

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Status of Saraswati river

Reports indicate that as a result of the avalanche, the water level of the Saraswati River has increased. It's worth noting that last month, incessant rainfall and rising water levels in Uttarakhand's rivers led to a temporary halt in the Char Dham Yatra for two days. This pilgrimage, which includes stops at sacred sites like Badrinath, is a significant religious journey for many devotees.

Land sinkage near Badrinath Highway

In a separate development, Hindustan Times reported that a section of the highway leading to Badrinath, a key destination on the Char Dham Yatra route, has experienced land sinkage. This affected area spans 100 kilometers between Pursari and Maithana.

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The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) made efforts to fill and level the land. However, despite these efforts, the land beneath this stretch continued to sink toward the Alaknanda river. The erosion at the river's base is believed to be the cause of this ongoing issue.These recent incidents underscore the importance of monitoring natural conditions and infrastructure along pilgrimage routes like the Char Dham Yatra, emphasizing the need for safety measures to protect the well-being of pilgrims and maintain the sanctity of these sacred journeys.