The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy rains in Uttarakhand, leading to the postponement of the Char Dham Yatra. Heavy rainfall is also expected in other parts of India, including Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh. The IMD has forecasted widespread light to moderate rainfall across East and Northeast India until July 11, with heavy showers expected in Kerala until July 9.
Today’s news is a mix of religious festivities, sporting events, and political developments. President Droupadi Murmu will witness the Rath Yatra in Puri, while Uttarakhand’s Char Dham Yatra has been postponed due to heavy rains. Meanwhile, India is set to face Zimbabwe in a T20I series, and the Delhi BJP is gearing up for the upcoming Assembly elections.
The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand has been postponed due to the threat of heavy rainfall in the Garhwal region, as per an alert from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The Garhwal Commissioner has issued orders for the postponement, effective from July 7th.
Several vehicles were trapped on the Gangotri National Highway after falling rocks hit them on Friday. State police, SDRF, and NDRF teams are engaged in rescue operations. Earlier measures were taken to ensure a safe Char Dham Yatra, including traffic enhancements and landslide management. Uttarakhand Chief Minister inspected arrangements and directed officials to strengthen essential facilities for devotees’ convenience.
A helicopter carrying seven people, including pilgrims, made an emergency landing in Uttarakhand’s Kedarnath on Friday after developing a technical snag. The pilot quickly took a decision and landed the chopper safely, averting a major mishap. All occupants, including six pilgrims and the pilot, are safe and sound. The incident occurred around 7 am today, and the pilgrims were able to continue their pilgrimage after the incident. The Char Dham Yatra, a pilgrimage tour of four holy sites, has commenced this year, with around 26 lakh devotees registered to participate. The Uttarakhand government has extended the ban on VIP darshan until May 31 to ensure equal access for all devotees.
The Badrinath-Rishikesh highway has been closed near Sirobagadh due to heavy rains, just a day after the Char Dham Yatra commenced this year. Passengers heading to Badrinath and Kedarnath have been stopped at Srikot-Srinagar and Kaliyasod. The road has not been opened yet due to continuous debris falling in Sirobagadh.
The Char Dham Yatra, a pilgrimage to the four sacred sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, is set to start on May 10. Thousands of devotees undertake this journey every year to seek blessings at these holy shrines. The pilgrimage begins at Yamunotri, then moves on to Gangotri, continues to Kedarnath, and ends at Badrinath, following a clockwise route. These high-altitude shrines remain closed for about six months each year, opening in the summer (April or May) and closing as winter approaches (October or November). Pilgrims can complete the journey by road or by air, with helicopter services available. Some devotees choose to undertake a Do Dham Yatra, which involves visiting only two shrines—Kedarnath and Badrinath—as outlined on the official website of Uttarakhand Tourism.
