Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU/RUDRAPRAYAG
A major landslide near Gaurikund disrupted movement on the Kedarnath Yatra route on the evening of July 29, 2025. Boulders and debris from the hillside completely blocked the road and footpath leading towards Sonprayag, around 1.5 km from Gaurikund. In response, authorities swiftly launched an emergency evacuation operation for stranded pilgrims using an alternative footpath.
The security forces including the District Police, SDRF, and NDRF, started evacuating the returning pilgrims from Kedarnath Dham after the road closure. Till July 30 late evening 2,179 pilgrims were safely escorted to their destinations through the temorary route before the operation was halted for the night.
On July 31 the evacuation resumed early morning too. So far 950 pilgrims have been safely moved via the alternative path. With this the total number of evacuees to over 3,100 in two days.
Meanwhile, efforts to clear the debris and restore the blocked road are underway by the concerned agency. However, due to the scale of the obstruction, officials have confirmed that there is no possibility of the road reopening today.
Authorities have urged pilgrims to cooperate with ongoing rescue and restoration efforts and have assured that all possible measures are being taken to ensure their safety and well-being.
