Badrinath Alternative Route Opens Amidst Nature’s Fury, Tourist on Their Way Back

The sacred journey to Badrinath, a revered Char Dham shrine, is a cherished pilgrimage for countless devotees seeking spiritual solace.

However, the heavens unleashed their fury upon the Badrinath highway as heavy rainfall triggered a landslide, leaving around 1,000 pilgrims stranded at several locations. But as the sun rose, so did the spirit of resilience, as an alternate link road through Pokhri opened, paving the way for the smooth movement of tourists.

What happened to the earlier route?

The Badrinath highway was shattered when a 70-meter stretch crumbled under the relentless downpour. The landslide near Kameda brought traffic to a halt, leaving pilgrims stranded amidst the beauty of Uttarakhand's rugged terrain. The alternate link route through Pokhri was also obstructed by falling boulders. The situation seemed daunting, and restoration efforts were expected to take three to four days.

How did the Authorities act?

With unwavering determination, the authorities swung into action, working tirelessly to open the Karnaprayag-Pokhri-Rudraprayag link route. The narrowness of the path meant careful management of traffic, and priority was given to vehicles returning from Badrinath.

The district administration understood the urgency of ensuring the safety of stranded tourists. Additional police personnel were deployed along the route, providing reassurance to those embarking on their pilgrimage. The opening of the alternative route proved to be a lifeline for the pilgrims who had waited anxiously to continue their journey.

What is the current rain situation?

As the rain gods continued to unleash their might, an orange alert was issued for heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places in various districts. The regional meteorological centre's director, Bikram Singh, cautioned about the possibility of intense showers, thunderstorms, and lightning in certain areas. Amidst this, the district administration's watchful eye was on high alert as per reports.

What are the emergency numbers?

The district administration has also set up helplines for tourists who need assistance. The helplines are:

- 108 (for emergency services)

- 1077 (for tourist information)

- 085340-20000 (for district administration)

Tourists can also contact the nearest police station for help.

As the pilgrimage to Badrinath continues, nature's unpredictability remains a constant reminder of human vulnerability. The opening of the alternate link road through Pokhri stands as a testament to the determination of those involved in ensuring the safe passage of pilgrims.

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