Kedarnath trek landslide: 7,350 pilgrims evacuated from affected route; rescue operation continues

A day after 7,200 pilgrims were evacuated from the landslide-affected Kedarnath trek route in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district, another 150 people were brought to safety by rescue teams on Tuesday, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC).

The latest evacuation took the total number of pilgrims safely guided through the affected stretch to 7,350. Meanwhile, efforts are under way to clear debris from the route and restore the Kedarnath pilgrimage, which was halted two days ago.

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Kedarnath landslide: 150 more pilgrims evacuated

According to the latest SEOC report, pilgrims returning from Kedarnath Dham were safely evacuated from Chirbasa by 10:15 am on Tuesday.

The SEOC had earlier stated that by Monday evening, 7,200 pilgrims and 1,200 mules had been safely evacuated from the landslide-affected area.

Kedarnath trek route damaged near Chirbasa

Repair and clearance work has been accelerated on the stretch damaged on Sunday after falling boulders, stones and debris blocked the route near the Chirbasa helipad, around 2.5 km above Gaurikund.

Police said labourers are working on a war footing to reopen the route. Safety measures are being overseen by personnel from the police, Public Works Department (PWD) and the District Disaster Relief Force.

Kedarnath Yatra remains halted

Pilgrims planning to visit Kedarnath will have to wait until the debris is cleared and the route is declared safe for movement.

Pilgrims travelling on foot to Kedarnath have been stranded at Sonprayag and Gaurikund since Sunday, following the damage to the trek route.

Authorities have not yet allowed pilgrims to proceed towards Kedarnath through the affected stretch.

Police appeal to Kedarnath pilgrims

The police have appealed to pilgrims to remain patient until the route is fully restored and to follow the guidelines issued by the police and district administration.

Rescue and restoration teams are continuing work to clear the damaged stretch and facilitate the resumption of the Kedarnath pilgrimage once the route is considered safe.


Inputs from PTI