Shimla: Two of Himachal Pradesh’s popular high-altitude pilgrimages — the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra in Kullu and the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra in Kinnaur — have been suspended until further orders after expert assessments found the routes unsafe due to heightened risks of landslides, flash floods, rockfalls and unstable glaciers.The Kullu district administration suspended this year’s Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra after expert teams from Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali, and the revenue and forest departments declared both the traditional and an alternative route unsafe.Kullu deputy commissioner Anurag Chandra Sharma said pilgrim safety remained the administration’s top priority.According to inspection reports submitted on June 8 and 18, the Bhimdwari-Parvati Bagh stretch and the proposed alternative route pass through steep gradients, unstable terrain, slippery trails, and multiple mountain streams, exposing pilgrims to landslides, rockfalls, flash floods, and debris flows.Experts also warned that any rescue operation in the area would be extremely difficult during an emergency. The administration has directed the removal of all temporary camps, tents and ration shops within three days and ordered strict enforcement of the ban, warning of legal action against violators.In Kinnaur, the district administration also postponed the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra, originally scheduled from July 1 to 30, after a reconnaissance team reported alarming conditions along the route.Large glaciers between Miling Khata and the Shivling, unstable boulders and fresh rockfall between Gufa and Sorang have made the route highly hazardous. Officials said rising temperatures were accelerating snowmelt, increasing the risk of falling rocks, landslides and debris, particularly on the nighttime stretch leading to the holy cave.Authorities said both pilgrimages would remain suspended until weather conditions improve and the routes are certified safe by expert agencies. Devotees have been urged not to attempt the journeys until further orders.MSID:: 132051991 413 |
