Garhwal Post Bureau
Rudraprayag, 3 Sep: Even as the monsoon is yet to be over in the state, snowfall has been reported from Kedarnath valley. The persistent spell of rainfall in Uttarakhand has now given way to snowfall, with the peaks of Kedarnath Dham witnessing the first snow of the season. The snowfall has been reported even as the Char Dham Yatra remains suspended due to the continuing inclement weather. According to the local residents, Kedarnath shrine is presently wearing a deserted look as the authorities have restricted pilgrims from proceeding beyond Sonprayag.
For the third consecutive day, the Kedarnath Highway has been blocked at Banswara, further hampering travel.
It may be noted that the ongoing monsoon has greatly impacted the Kedarnath Dham Yatra, which has faced severe disruptions throughout July and August, and similar conditions persist as September begins.
Snowfall was visible today on the high peaks, while rainfall continues unabated in the shrine’s vicinity, plunging the region into a deep chill and compelling local businesses to remain shut for the entire monsoon. The premises of Kedarnath temple are empty in the absence of devotees. It is also reported that the Sonprayag-Gaurikund stretch of the highway has been closed at Munkatiya for the past three days, and that clearing operations are underway. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel today rescued two mules that had been stranded for two days at the bottom of the Munkatiya landslide zone near the Mandakini River, having braved continuous rain while trapped. With a brief clearance in the weather, the personnel descended into the gorge and brought the animals to safety.
The situation in the hills remains precarious as rain continues to batter the region. Both the pedestrian and motor routes have suffered widespread damage, presenting grave challenges to locals and any remaining support staff. The closure of lifeline routes such as the Sonprayag-Gaurikund highway has forced pack animals to seek alternate paths, resulting in animals becoming stranded and drenched beside the rising Mandakini River.
After three days of relentless closure, a slight respite was seen today with the reopening of the Kedarnath Highway for vehicles at Banswara. However, District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar conceded that due to continuous rains, blockages at Banswara have become recurring, prompting the National Highway Department to station road-clearing machines at the site around the clock. Meanwhile, the Sonprayag-Gaurikund highway remains blocked at Munkatiya because of accumulated debris and landslide material from the mountainside, with restoration efforts underway. The administration has appealed to all the pilgrims and the local residents to heed weather warnings and await official word before attempting any travel in the affected areas.
