By Our Staff Reporter
Chamoli, 20 Jul: The Char Dham Yatra to Badrinath was stopped for some time today as reports of a cloudburst at Ghangharia enroute to the Valley of Flowers in District Chamoli were received here; and also in view of the red alert issued for heavy to very heavy rains today by the Meteorological Department.
As the rains continued throughout the day and there were reports of cloudburst in Ghangaria, the Yatra was put on hold for the time being as a precautionary measure. Heavy rains are continuing in the area since morning. As a precautionary measure, the Yatra to Hemkund Sahib and Badrinath was stopped for the time being. It may be recalled that Ghangaria is the main stop for the Hemkund Sahib Yatra and Valley of Flowers which the pilgrims have to pass through. After information about the cloudburst, an SDRF team has left for the spot.
DIG, SDRF, Ridhim Agarwal reported that, according to the latest information being received from Ghangaria, about 30 to 35 passengers going to Hemkund have been stopped due to security reasons. However, the passengers coming back from Hemkund Sahib have been allowed to return via the new bridge at Khonda. Agarwal added that, in view of the heavy rainfall, the water level of the rivers is also being continuously monitored and the situation assessed.
