On June 23, 2025, a devastating landslide struck the Yamunotri trekking route near the Kainchi Bhairav Mandir in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, claiming the
On June 23, 2025, a devastating landslide struck the Yamunotri trekking route near the Kainchi Bhairav Mandir in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, claiming the lives of two pilgrims and injuring another. The tragedy, occurring amidst heavy monsoon rains, has prompted extensive rescue operations and raised renewed concerns about the safety of high-altitude pilgrimages during the rainy season. As authorities scramble to locate two missing individuals, the incident underscores the perilous conditions faced by devotees on the Chardham Yatra.
The landslide occurred in the afternoon, approximately 20 meters above the trekking path, a stretch notorious for its vulnerability during monsoons. Recent reports indicate that a group of five pilgrims returning from the sacred Yamunotri Dham was hit by tumbling boulders and debris. Two victims, identified as Harishankar, 47, from Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, and his eight-year-old daughter Khyati, perished on the spot. A third pilgrim, Rasik from Mumbai, was rescued with injuries and is receiving treatment at the Jankichatti Primary Health Centre, where his condition is reported as stable. The search for two others, Bhavika Sharma, 11, from Delhi, and Kamlesh Jethwa, 35, from Mumbai, continues under challenging conditions.
Rescue operations were launched immediately, involving the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, and forest department personnel. High-mast lights have been installed to aid nighttime efforts, as teams comb through the rubble. Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya, overseeing the operation, noted the sensitivity of the site, where damaged railings and roads have complicated efforts. The Yamunotri pilgrimage has been temporarily suspended, with pilgrims halted at various points from Damta to Jankichatti for safety. Authorities are working to clear debris and establish an alternative route, aiming to resume the yatra by June 25.
The incident has spotlighted the inherent risks of the Chardham Yatra, particularly during the monsoon season, when landslides and flash floods are frequent in Uttarakhand’s hilly terrain. Experts attribute the region’s susceptibility to such disasters to a combination of heavy rainfall, deforestation, and unplanned construction. Official statements emphasize that pilgrims were advised to check weather updates and adhere to safety guidelines, yet many undertake the trek despite warnings, driven by spiritual fervor. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed condolences, assuring that all necessary relief measures are in place and praying for the affected families.
This tragedy follows a pattern of monsoon-related incidents in Uttarakhand. Recent reports highlight similar disruptions, such as landslides blocking the Badrinath highway in Chamoli and a separate rockfall incident that claimed another life. These events have prompted calls for stricter regulations and improved infrastructure to protect pilgrims. Local authorities are under pressure to balance the economic and cultural significance of the Chardham Yatra with the need for enhanced safety protocols. Proposals include real-time weather monitoring systems, reinforced trekking paths, and mandatory registration to track pilgrims.
For the families of the victims, the loss is immeasurable. Harishankar and Khyati’s deaths have left their community in Jaunpur grieving, while Rasik’s account of the sudden chaos—debris crashing down without warning—underscores the unpredictability of such disasters. The ongoing search for Bhavika and Kamlesh keeps hope alive, though the worsening weather poses a grim challenge. Posts on X reflect public sentiment, with many expressing sorrow and urging greater caution for future pilgrims.
As rescue operations persist, the Yamunotri landslide serves as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the fragility of human endeavors in its path. Authorities face the daunting task of ensuring safety without diminishing the spiritual allure of the Chardham Yatra. For now, the focus remains on saving lives and supporting those affected, while the broader question of how to safeguard such sacred journeys lingers unanswered.
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