Kedarnath Yatra stopped due to landslide, rescue operation in full swing, 12 teams of NDRF engaged in rescue work, Chinook help received from PMO on Dhami’s request

Kedarnath Yatra has been suspended after the Meteorological Department’s heavy rain alert in Uttarakhand. Kedarnath Yatra has been stopped for the time being in view of the safety of the pilgrims due to landslides at many places on the Kedarnath foot journey route. Uttarakhand Director General of Police Abhinav Kumar says that the journey will be stopped until the incidents of debris and landslides on the travel route are negligible.

On the situation arising due to heavy rains in Tehri and Rudraprayag districts, DGP Abhinav Kumar says, ‘We had received a warning of heavy rains in the state for 48 hours. In view of this warning, the police, NDRF, SDRF and local administration have been put on alert. After the rains started on Wednesday night, we started getting reports of landslides, rock falls etc. from various areas. Teams were sent to many places for rescue and relief at night itself. All state and central agencies are engaged in rescue and relief.

At the same time, the CM visited Tehri and Rudraprayag districts and met the affected. So far, 11 people have died and 8 are seriously injured in various districts. As of Wednesday morning, about 1000 people were stranded in Kedarnath and 800 people were on the trek route there. The rescue work is going on to rescue them. Due to weather warning, we have postponed the Yatra for Thursday and Friday. The movement of pilgrims on the Kedarnath trek route has been restricted. The state government has taken the help of the Indian Air Force and the private sector. Helicopters have been sent to rescue the people stranded in Kedarnath. 12 teams of NDRF and 60 teams of SDRF are engaged in rescue work.

Rescue of passengers

With better coordination of SDRF, NDRF, DDRF, District Police and District Administration in Rudraprayag district, passengers stranded on the Kedarnath Yatra route are being evacuated safely. About 700 passengers stranded in Bhimbali, Rambada, Lyncholi on the Kedarnath Yatra route have been airlifted. Apart from this, 3300 passengers stranded between Sonprayag and Bhimbali on the foot journey route have been taken to a safe place by making an alternative route. Kedarnath Yatra has been stopped for the time being due to landslides at many places on the foot journey route, keeping in mind the safety of the passengers. Soon, a rescue operation will be conducted with the help of MI-17 and Chinook helicopters of the Air Force.

Passengers expressed gratitude to the administration on being rescued

The passengers rescued by helicopter said that they were very scared on Wednesday night. It was raining continuously and there was no sign of stopping and lightning was also flashing in the sky continuously. We could not sleep the whole night. The incident happened in Bhimbali, but the effect was being felt till Kedarnath Dham. When the weather cleared in the morning, we breathed a sigh of relief. When the administration gathered all the passengers on the helipad and talked about the rescue, then we breathed a sigh of relief. Because the movement on the foot path had also completely stopped. The passengers were arguing among themselves to get into the helicopter, but the administration rescued everyone one by one from the helicopter. The passengers said that Wednesday night was a night they would never forget. They were not even hopeful that they would survive. The passengers said that after the rescue, the administration had also made full arrangements for food.

DM Saurabh Gaharwar became an angel for the pilgrims

Rudraprayag District Magistrate Dr. Saurabh Gaharwar came out as an angel for the pilgrims stranded on the footpath. During the night, the District Magistrate was keeping an eye on every activity from the Yatra Control Room and had alerted the rescue teams. As soon as it was morning, the DM first reached Sonprayag and then Lincholi and Bhimbali. First of all, the DM gathered the pilgrims who were stopped at safe places at various places at the Lincholi helipad and then deployed three helicopters for the rescue.

The DM himself was engaged in the rescue operation sometimes from Shershi and sometimes in Lincholi. The DM also sent a separate rescue team to other places on the footpath. While some teams were deployed to rescue the passengers trapped below Bhimbali. The DM also sent soldiers on the river bank and footpaths to find out if anyone was trapped anywhere. Due to the alertness of the DM, thousands of lives were saved once again.

Chinook help received from PMO

The PMO has also extended a helping hand for the Kedarnath rescue operation. Air Force’s Chinook has left for Kedarnath Dham for the rescue. Apart from this, three tankers of ATF have also been sent. DM Saurabh Gaharwar has expressed his gratitude to PM Narendra Modi for the help received from the central government.