Uttarkashi: 

The incident has cast a shadow over the annual Yamunotri Yatra, with thousands of pilgrims stranded and authorities racing against time to locate the missing.

Rescue operations are still underway in Jankichatti, Uttarkashi, after a devastating landslide struck the Yamunotri Dham footpath near Bhairav Temple on Monday, halting the sacred pilgrimage and leaving several devotees trapped under debris.

The search for two missing devotees continues

By late Monday evening, two bodies, including that of a 12-year-old girl, were recovered from the rubble, while one injured pilgrim was rescued and rushed to the Primary Health Centre in Jankichatti. The search for two missing devotees continues, with rescue teams working round the clock under challenging weather and terrain conditions.

The landslide occurred at Naukainchi, approximately three kilometers ahead of Jankichatti, a known vulnerable stretch on the Yamunotri trek route. The victims were part of a group of five pilgrims returning from the shrine when they were struck by falling boulders and debris. The injured survivor, identified as Rasik from Mumbai, is reported to be in stable condition.

Yamunotri Yatra has been temporarily suspended

The Yamunotri Yatra has been temporarily suspended, and thousands of pilgrims have been stopped at safe locations including Barkot, Dubata Band, Ganganani, Kharari, and Paligad. Authorities have urged patience and cooperation as they work to clear the route and ensure safety. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Brijesh Kumar Tiwari stated that the decision to halt the yatra was taken in the interest of public safety. “The alternative Bhandeli Gad route is also risky due to unstable terrain,” he added.

Joint teams from the SDRF, NDRF, Police are engaged

Joint teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), district police, and forest department are engaged in the rescue operation. Drone surveillance is being used to scan the debris field, and high-mast lights have been installed to aid night-time search efforts. The operation is being led under the supervision of SDRF Commander Arpan Yaduvanshi.

Efforts are underway to clear the debris and restore the route

District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed that efforts are underway to clear the debris and restore the route. “We are hopeful that the path can be reopened by Wednesday, depending on weather conditions and the progress of rescue work,” he said.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed grief over the incident and assured that all necessary resources have been deployed. “I pray for the well-being of those affected. Our teams are on-site, and every effort is being made to rescue the missing and support the injured,” he posted on social media.

As monsoon rains continue to lash the region, officials have reiterated the need for pilgrims to stay updated on weather advisories and avoid travel in high-risk zones. The tragedy has once again underscored the fragile nature of Himalayan pilgrimage routes and the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness.

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