SDRF, NDRF Rescue Over 10,000 Pilgrims After Landslide on Kedarnath Route

A major rescue operation was launched by the State Disaster Response Force Uttarakhand (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) after a sudden landslide struck the Munkatiya area between Sonprayag and Gaurikund on the Shri Kedarnath Yatra route.

The landslide occurred late at night in May, blocking the main route used by thousands of pilgrims travelling to Kedarnath Temple. A large number of devotees were stranded midway due to the obstruction.

Officials said the rescue operation became extremely challenging because of darkness, adverse weather conditions, continuous falling debris, difficult mountainous terrain, and the heavy movement of pilgrims along the route.

According to authorities, the District Control Room (DCR) in Rudraprayag informed SDRF about the incident at around 9:16 PM. Immediately after receiving the alert, the SDRF Sonprayag team led by Sub-Inspector Ashish Dimri rushed to the affected location with rescue and emergency equipment.

SDRF and NDRF personnel jointly initiated relief and evacuation efforts without delay. Rescue teams worked throughout the night to safely move stranded pilgrims from vulnerable zones and restore movement along the route.

Authorities confirmed that more than 10,000 pilgrims were safely evacuated during the coordinated operation.

Officials praised the timely coordination between SDRF and NDRF teams, stating that the rapid response helped prevent a larger disaster and ensured the continuation of the annual Kedarnath pilgrimage despite hazardous conditions.

The incident once again highlights the risks associated with pilgrimage routes in the Himalayan region during periods of unstable weather and landslide activity. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and assess route safety for pilgrims travelling in the area.

Rescue Operation Highlights