The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand has been temporarily suspended for a day due to a heavy rainfall alert issued across several districts. Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey announced the suspension on Sunday, directing police and administrative officials to enforce the order. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted torrential rain and thunderstorms for the state on Sunday and Monday. Pilgrims already en route have been instructed to halt at designated locations like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Sonprayag, and Vikasnagar. The decision prioritizes safety, given the risk of landslides and flooding associated with heavy downpours in the region. Authorities are monitoring the weather and will reassess the situation to determine when the Yatra can safely resume. Continuous rainfall has already caused significant disruptions, including road blockages on the National Highway near Nandprayag and Bhaneropani. The administration has activated relief and rescue teams and urged devotees to adhere to guidelines until conditions improve.
