Kedarnath Yatra 2023: Registration Halted Till April 30 in Rishikesh, Haridwar Amid Heavy Snowfall

Registration for Kedarnath pilgrims has been halted in Rishikesh and Haridwar till April 30 amidst a warning issued by IMD. Upper Garhwal Himalayas has been receiving rain and snowfall.

The Kedarnath Dham will however be opened to the public on Tuesday.

Interacting with the media reporters, Additional Commissioner (Administration) of Garhwal Division and Additional Chief Executive Officer of Chardham Yatra Administration Organisation Narendra Singh Kaviriyal said, “In view of the bad weather and heavy snowfall, the registration of pilgrims for the Kedarnath Yatra has been suspended till April 30 in Rishikesh and Haridwar.”

The government will review the weather conditions in the coming days and accordingly take a decision in the interest of the pilgrims, he said.

Incessant rains and snowfall in the upper ranges of Himalayas have reported drop in temperature over the past few days; authorities are facing problems in clearing the snow that keeps accumulating on footpaths.

According to sources, Uttarakhand government has urged pilgrims to check the weather updates prior to embarking on their journey and to carry enough warm clothes. The government also said that due to the weather, the pilgrims might have to face all sorts of problems during the yatra.

The official communiqué added that it is committed to ensuring smooth, safe and uninterrupted travel for the pilgrims and the arrangements are being regularly monitored at the highest level.

The registration of pilgrims for the other three dhams — Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri — is underway. While the shrines of Gangotri and Yamunotri opened on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on Saturday, the Badrinath Dham will open on April 27. So far, more than 16 lakh people from India and abroad have registered for the Chardham Yatra, according to officials.