6,500+ Pilgrims Rescued After Kedarnath Landslide Blocks Trek Route

A landslide along the route to Kedarnath shrine triggered a major evacuation operation, with authorities moving more than 6,500 pilgrims past the affected section near the Chirbasa helipad after the weather improved.

The landslide occurred on Sunday along the Gaurikund-Kedarnath trek, around 2.5 km above Gaurikund. The incident partially damaged the stretch near the Chirbasa helipad and made it inaccessible to trekkers. A local person was killed after being struck by a boulder.

Police officials said the continuous fall of stones from the hillside initially made it difficult to restore the route. Pilgrims were stopped at several points on either side of the affected stretch as authorities prioritised safety and restricted movement through the dangerous section.

By Monday morning, weather conditions had improved and landslide activity had stopped, allowing authorities to facilitate the movement of pilgrims returning from Kedarnath. The devotees were guided across the obstructed portion in phases under controlled conditions.

The phased movement began after officials confirmed that the immediate threat from falling stones had subsided. Rescue and response personnel remained deployed along the stretch to assist pilgrims and ensure their safe passage through the affected area.

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) took part in the evacuation operation, while police personnel helped regulate the movement of pilgrims along the trek route. Their teams remained on the ground as the situation was closely monitored.

Meanwhile, the Public Works Department (PWD) began clearing debris and stones from the damaged stretch as part of efforts to restore the trekking route. The operation had initially been hampered by rocks and stones continuing to fall from the hillside.

The landslide disrupted movement along a crucial section of the trek used by pilgrims travelling towards and returning from the Kedarnath shrine. Authorities had kept pilgrims at different locations until weather conditions improved and the affected stretch could be crossed safely.

With the cessation of landslide activity, authorities resumed phased movement of returning pilgrims, while debris-clearing operations continued. The PWD is working to remove the obstruction and restore the affected portion of the Gaurikund-Kedarnath trek.

Authorities continued to monitor the area as restoration work progressed and remained alert to any further landslide activity along the pilgrimage route.