Rudraprayag: A sudden landslide struck the Jangalchatti area on the Kedarnath Yatra route around 11:30 AM on Tuesday, leaving two people dead and three others injured, including a pilgrim from Gujarat and two palanquin-bearers from Jammu and Kashmir. The incident has once again highlighted the perils of high-altitude pilgrimage routes, especially during the monsoon-prone months.
According to officials, massive boulders rolled down the hillside near Junglechatti Ghat, hitting a group of pilgrims and porters. The impact threw several individuals into a nearby gorge. The deceased were identified as Nitin Kumar and Chandrashekhar, both palanquin carriers from Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir.
The woman among the injured sustained minor bruises
The injured include Sandeep Kumar and Nitin Manhas, also from Doda, and Akash Chitriya, a pilgrim from Bhavnagar, Gujarat. While the woman among the injured sustained minor bruises, the two men were seriously hurt and were immediately referred to a healthcare facility in Gaurikund for treatment.
Swift rescue operation
As soon as the alert was raised, a joint rescue operation was launched by teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), District Disaster Response Force (DDRF), YMF, and local police. The teams faced significant challenges in retrieving the victims from the gorge, using ropes and stretchers to navigate the rugged terrain.
All five affected individuals were evacuated and transported to Gaurikund via Kandi routes, where the injured received first aid and medical supervision. The bodies of the deceased were also brought down for legal formalities and identification.
Pilgrim movement continues with caution
Despite the tragedy, pilgrim movement along the Kedarnath route has resumed under tight police protection. Authorities have urged all yatris to stay updated on weather conditions, follow administrative advisories, and exercise extreme caution while trekking through landslide-prone zones. The administration has reiterated that in case of any emergency, pilgrims should immediately contact the nearest help center or helpline. As the sacred journey continues, the focus remains on ensuring that faith does not come at the cost of safety.
The incident comes amid a broader conversation about pilgrimage safety, especially in light of recent helicopter crashes and erratic weather patterns. With the monsoon approaching, officials are on high alert to prevent further casualties.
