In Dehradun, the trek route to Kedarnath, which suffered significant damage from landslides caused by heavy rain on July 31, has been repaired and reopened to pilgrims following a 15-day closure. The 19-kilometer trail, which was blocked at 29 points due to landslide debris, was cleared and restored as of Friday, according to local officials.
Approximately 260 workers labored around the clock to repair the route and ensure it was safe for travelers. While most of the route is now accessible, a few areas still require assistance from security personnel to help pilgrims safely cross.
The landslides, triggered by intense rainfall on July 31, had left thousands of pilgrims stranded along the trek, particularly in areas such as Bhimbali and Lincholi. The Indian Air Force, private helicopters, and rescue teams from SDRF, NDRF, and the police carried out an extensive evacuation operation, rescuing over 11,000 stranded individuals. This operation, which lasted nearly a week, was closely overseen by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who visited the affected regions of Rudraprayag district multiple times.
With the support of the Indian Air Force and private helicopter services, a major rescue operation successfully evacuated over 11,000 pilgrims who had been stranded along the Kedarnath trek route, particularly in the affected areas of Bhimbali and Lincholi. The operation, which involved teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police, was conducted over nearly a week. These rescue teams worked tirelessly to ensure the safe evacuation of each individual, navigating challenging conditions caused by the landslides and heavy rain. Their coordinated efforts provided critical assistance to those trapped and helped bring them to safety.
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