Char Dham Yatra Update: Heavy rain, snowfall hit Kedarnath Dham; Uttarakhand govt alerts pilgrims

Char Dham Yatra 2023: Uttarakhand government issued an alert on Sunday after heavy rain and snowfall impeded pilgrims as the revered Char Dham Yatra kicked off. Bearing in mind the rain and snowfall in Kedarnath Dham in the past few days, authorities have alerted the devotees to be careful and follow the weather forecast before begining their journey. The state government also informed that adequate medical arrangements have been made all along the route of Char Dham Yatra, and pilgrims can visit the nearest health centre and consult a doctor if their health deteriorates during the journey.

In its bulletin for Char Dharm Yatris, the state government said that intermittent rain and snowfall have continued in Kedarnath Dham over the past few days and all the devotees coming for the yatra have been advised to carry warm clothes and check the weather forecast before going towards Kedarnath shrine.

Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar told ANI that in view of heavy snowfall in Kedarnath Dham on Saturday, pilgrims are requested to be alert and begin their yatra after checking the weather forecast.

As the Char Dham Yatra began on the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritiya on Saturday, the state government said that it is making all possible arrangements to make the yatra smooth and safe for the devotees. 

Char Dham Yatra: Alert for pilgrims with health concerns 

Uttarakhand's Health Secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar told ANI that the Health Department has made adequate medical arrangements for the Char Dham Yatra. "Guidelines, ie - SOP have been issued for the journey. In this, travellers have been suggested to acclimatize their bodies to the mountain weather during the journey. If you are facing difficulty then rest for some time and only then travel," he said.

The Health Secretary appealed to the devotees above 55 years of age who may be suffering from diseases like diabetes, blood pressure and heart diseases, to bring it to the notice of authorities. He said that such devotees would be monitored through the '104' emergency line.

The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimages in India. This pilgrimage is a tour of four holy sites - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri - nestled high up in the Himalayas.

Char Dham Yatra: Heavy snowfall in Kedarnath Dham

Char Dham Yatra | There was heavy snowfall in Kedarnath Dham yesterday. Pilgrims are requested to be alert and begin their yatra by looking at the weather: Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar pic.twitter.com/tN4R4ePlJH

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) April 23, 2023

#WATCH | Uttarakhand: Heavy snowfall witnessed in Kedarnath Dham ahead of Char Dham Yatra pic.twitter.com/nZIPbw5sgJ

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) April 23, 2023