Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swaroop lifted the two‑day suspension of the Char Dham Yatra on Monday, allowing thousands of devotees from India and abroad to resume their trek across Uttarakhand.
The pause, imposed on September 26‑27, followed a meteorological red alert that brought light to heavy rainfall across the state and even a snowfall at Hemkund Sahib in Chamoli on Saturday.
Swaroop told reporters that the decision to lift the ban was taken after the Weather Department signalled no further warnings and that district administrations were instructed to enforce local guidelines.
He added, "District Magistrates are empowered to suspend the Yatra at their own discretion if road blockages or adverse conditions arise," a clause that had already been invoked in Uttarkashi when pilgrims were halted at Heena and Dobata.
Safety remains the top priority; officials urged pilgrims to monitor weather updates, follow route advisories, and stay alert because rain persists along the pilgrimage corridors.
The Yatra will continue to the four sanctuaries, but any district magistrate can re‑impose a stop if conditions deteriorate, and the state will monitor the situation closely.