Rescue operations resumed early Tuesday morning after a landslip struck a group of pilgrims trekking near the Kainchi Bhairav Mandir on the Yamunotri route in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. The incident, which occurred on Monday evening, left five individuals trapped under rocks and debris that suddenly tumbled down a steep hillside. One person was rescued with injuries, two others were found dead, and the search is still on for the remaining two.
According to disaster management officials, Rasik, a pilgrim from Mumbai, was rescued alive and is currently undergoing treatment at a public health centre in Jankichatti. His condition has been described as stable. Two other members of the group—Harishankar, a 47-year-old man from Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh, and his eight-year-old daughter, Khyati—were found dead under the rubble. Their bodies were recovered late Monday night. The two still missing have been identified as Bhavika Sharma, an 11-year-old girl from Delhi, and Kamlesh Jethwa, a 35-year-old resident of Mumbai.
Rasik, the lone survivor among the group so far, recounted the terrifying incident. He said he and his companions were descending after visiting the Yamunotri shrine when loose boulders and mud began crashing down from the hills above. “We didn’t have time to react. I suddenly found myself falling into a ditch along with one of my friends. Everything happened in seconds,” he said.
Officials say the affected area is particularly prone to landslides, especially during the rainy season, due to its narrow and unstable terrain. Recent rainfall has further weakened the slopes, making the rescue operation extremely challenging. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and volunteers are currently engaged in search efforts. Despite the difficult terrain, officials remain hopeful but admit that time is running short.
Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya has directed the administration to provide all necessary support to the families of the victims. He has also announced that he will personally visit the site to assess the ground situation and monitor the ongoing rescue operations. “We are committed to ensuring that no effort is spared in the search for the missing individuals. All available resources are being used,” said a district official.
In light of the incident, the Gangotri Dham Yatra has been temporarily suspended as a safety precaution. Pilgrims have been advised to avoid traveling on vulnerable stretches and to stay informed through official weather and route advisories. Authorities have also reiterated the need for caution, especially during the monsoon, when the region becomes prone to sudden landslides and flash floods.
The Char Dham Yatra, which draws lakhs of devotees from across the country, involves travel to four sacred Himalayan shrines—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. While the pilgrimage is of great spiritual significance, incidents like these underscore the harsh and unpredictable nature of the mountainous terrain.
As search teams continue their efforts, local residents and volunteers have joined hands in providing logistical support to the rescue personnel. Food, medical supplies, and other essentials are being made available to support those involved in the operation. Officials are expected to issue a fresh advisory for the resumption of the yatra after assessing the stability of the route.
The tragedy has once again brought attention to the need for improved infrastructure and better safety protocols along pilgrimage routes in Uttarakhand. Authorities have urged pilgrims to strictly follow official instructions and avoid venturing into risky areas, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
