Over 6,500 pilgrims evacuated after landslide blocks Kedarnath trek route

More than 6,500 pilgrims were evacuated on Monday from a landslide-hit stretch near the Chirbasa helipad on the Kedarnath trek in Uttarakhand, as authorities worked to clear debris and restore access to the route.

The evacuation also involved around 600 to 700 horses and mules. The pilgrimage remained temporarily suspended amid concerns over fresh rockfalls and the safety of pilgrims.

Pilgrims moved after weather improves

The landslide occurred on Sunday on the Gaurikund-Kedarnath stretch near the Chirbasa helipad, around 2.5 kilometres above Gaurikund, partially damaging the trekking route and making it inaccessible to pilgrims.

Continuous rainfall and falling stones from the hillside initially hampered rescue and restoration efforts. Pilgrims were consequently held at several points on either side of the affected stretch.

By Monday morning, weather conditions had improved and landslide activity had stopped. Authorities then began guiding pilgrims returning from Kedarnath across the affected area in phases, allowing more than 6,500 people to be evacuated safely.

Earlier, police had advised pilgrims travelling towards Kedarnath to halt at Sonprayag and Gaurikund, while those returning from the shrine were asked to stop at Jangalchatti until the route was cleared and official permission was given to proceed.

Local resident killed in boulder strike

A local resident was killed after being struck by a boulder during Sunday's landslide.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, the man was hit by boulders rolling down from a hillside near the Chirbasa helipad and died at the spot. He was identified as 65-year-old Madan Mohan Tiwari, a resident of Ukhimath.

Police said the continued fall of stones made it difficult to begin restoration work immediately and led authorities to restrict movement along the affected section.

PWD clears debris to restore route

The Public Works Department (PWD) has started removing debris and stones from the trekking route, police said.

Authorities have stressed that pilgrim movement will be allowed only after the route is considered safe. The trek had also faced disruption earlier in September after debris and stones fell near the Chirbasa helipad following rainfall, with officials regulating pilgrim movement while clearance operations were carried out.

The latest landslide has again highlighted the risks faced by pilgrims on the mountainous Kedarnath route during periods of heavy rain and unstable weather.