Heavy snowfall hampers Char Dham Yatra preparations

my uttarakhand news Bureau
Rudraprayag, 8 Apr: Continuous snowfall in Kedarnath Dham for the past twenty four hours has brought preparations for the Char Dham Yatra to a standstill. With the date of the shrine’s opening drawing near, the sudden change in weather has posed a serious challenge for the administration and executing agencies. Snowfall has also been reported from Hemkund Valley and Badrinath as well as Yamunotri and Gangotri.
This year, the Kedarnath Dham has witnessed unseasonal snowfall. While December and January saw comparatively less snow, heavy snowfall just ahead of the opening of the shrine has made conditions difficult. As per the schedule, Baba Kedarnath’s ceremonial procession will leave Omkareshwar temple on 19 April, and the shrine doors will be opened for devotees on 22 April.
The Kedarnath pedestrian route has been severely affected. From Chhoti Lincholi to the shrine, heavy snowfall and avalanches have covered the entire stretch in a white blanket, disrupting construction and repair works. The PWD in Guptkashi is working at full pace to ensure smooth passage from Sonprayag to Kedarpuri, but continuous snowfall and rain have made the task arduous for labourers.
To clear the snow, two teams comprising sixty workers have been deployed. One team is working from Kedarnath and the other from Chhoti Lincholi. Till late last evening, a path of four to five feet width had been cleared, but fresh snowfall has again blocked several sections. Considering the weather, deployment of additional workers is under discussion to ensure the route is fully functional before the yatra begins. The department is working with complete sensitivity and commitment.
Meanwhile, traders in the Kedarnath valley are anxious. Many have already invested lakhs of rupees in stocking materials, fuel and tents for the pilgrimage season, but the uncertainty of weather has raised concerns about business losses.
Despite the hurdles, preparations continue at the shrine. The snowfall has indeed increased challenges, but arrangements are progressing steadily. The administration and related departments remain alert and determined to ensure that the pilgrimage is conducted smoothly and safely.