The 24-hour suspension of the Char Dham Yatra was officially lifted on Monday, following improved weather conditions and partial restoration of affected routes, officials confirmed.
Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey stated that while the ban has been lifted, District Magistrates along the Yatra route have been instructed to regulate vehicle movement based on local weather updates to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
The suspension had been imposed on Sunday after a heavy rain alert and a cloudburst near Barkot, which triggered a massive landslide, resulting in the death of two workers and leaving seven others missing.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and local authorities actively searching for the missing individuals.
The tragic incident occurred approximately four kilometres ahead of Paligad on the Yamunotri National Highway, near Silai Band. Two deceased individuals have been identified as Kewal Bisht (43) from Rajapur, Nepal, and Duje Lal (55) from Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh.
Meanwhile, efforts to repair the damaged Barkot-Yamunotri road have yielded results. Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed that the major washout near Silai Band has been restored, allowing smoother travel. Restoration of other affected sections and power lines continues, with the 33 KV line already fixed and work on the 11 KV line underway.
Heavy rainfall also lashed parts of Chamba town on Monday, prompting continued caution among authorities as the pilgrimage resumes.
The Char Dham Yatra, a significant annual pilgrimage in Uttarakhand, draws lakhs of devotees each year. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to prioritising safety amid unpredictable monsoon weather conditions.