The Char Dham Yatra route is experiencing heavy snowfall, according to recent Met reports. The Kedardham and Badridham shrines have seen fresh snow in the last 24 hours. The Badridham is scheduled to reopen for pilgrims on April 27, while Gangotri and Yamunotri temples will be opened five days earlier on April 22. Kedardham will open for devotees on April 25. Snowfall is predicted throughout the week, with two upcoming storms at Kedardham around Saturday. Temperatures are expected to drop during the day, and night temperatures are already below freezing. Rains are also expected along the routes, which could affect traffic to all four shrines.
Pilgrims are advised to be cautious, especially senior citizens. The trek route to Badridham has fresh snow near Bhairav glacier, which could pose problems for enthusiasts, according to Disaster Management Authority official Surendra Rawat. Weather conditions in Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts have worsened, making road clearing work difficult. Snow clearing work will begin once the snowfall stops.
The weather is expected to remain poor until this weekend, with rain, snow and icy winds predicted. Despite this, hundreds of Telugus are travelling to the religious destinations early this season. Enquiries at the Andhra Ashram in Rishikesh reveal a good number of people coming early this time too. In addition, there is the threat of Joshimath people staging roadblocks in protest against government negligence over sinking land in the town.
