Yamunotri Tragedy: At Least 10 Dead in Chardham Yatra Hill Collapse

A fatal landslide struck the Yamunotri walking route during the Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand, burying several pilgrims under debris. The hill collapse, reported at 11:30 AM near Janki Chatti, has cast a pall over the sacred pilgrimage, with at least 10 confirmed deaths and fears of more trapped. Rescue operations are underway amidst challenging conditions.

The Collapse and Its Cause

The disaster occurred on the 6-km trekking path from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri, a key Chardham site. Heavy rainfall over the past 48 hours weakened the hillside, triggering a massive landslide that swept away part of the route. Boulders and mud engulfed a group of pilgrims, estimated at 30-40, returning from the Yamunotri temple. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as screams echoed and dust clouded the narrow path.

Rescue Efforts Underway

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police launched rescue operations by noon, hampered by ongoing rain and unstable terrain. Four JCB machines and 200 personnel are clearing debris, with 12 pilgrims rescued, eight critically injured. Uttarakhand DGP Abhinav Kumar confirmed sniffer dogs and drones are aiding the search. The district administration has set up a helpline (01374-222222) for families.

Impact on Chardham Yatra

The Yamunotri route has been closed, stranding 2,000 pilgrims in Janki Chatti. The Chardham Yatra, drawing over 20 lakh devotees this season, faces disruptions, with warnings issued for Kedarnath and Badrinath routes due to rain forecasts. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, visiting the site, announced ₹5 lakh compensation for deceased pilgrims’ kin and ordered a safety audit of all Yatra paths.

A Call for Safety Reforms

This tragedy, the deadliest in the 2025 Yatra, exposes vulnerabilities in pilgrimage infrastructure. Environmentalists cite unchecked construction and deforestation as landslide triggers. As rescue teams race against time, the incident demands urgent safety upgrades, including weather monitoring and reinforced routes, to protect devotees on this sacred journey.