Devastating Landslide Hits Kedarnath Route, Claims 2 Lives, Injures Many

A landslide struck the Kedarnath pilgrimage route near Junglechatti ghat in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, killing two devotees and injuring over a dozen others. The disaster unfolded when heavy boulders and debris cascaded down the hillside, hitting unsuspecting pilgrims, porters, and palanquin operators on the narrow trek path. Reported by Rudraprayag police at 11:45 AM, the incident triggered an immediate response from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local authorities, who launched a challenging rescue operation amidst ongoing rain and unstable terrain.

Details of the Tragedy

The landslide occurred 3 kilometers from Gaurikund, a key stop on the 16-km Kedarnath trek, during peak pilgrimage season. The victims, identified as Anil Sharma (42) from Haridwar and Sunita Devi (38) from Meerut, succumbed to severe injuries caused by falling rocks. Among the injured, six pilgrims and three porters were critically hurt, with some swept into a nearby gorge. SDRF teams, equipped with ropes and stretchers, evacuated the injured to Gaurikund’s primary health center by 2:00 PM, while two were airlifted to Dehradun for advanced care. The trek route was temporarily closed, stranding hundreds of devotees.

Rescue and Response Efforts

The SDRF, supported by local police and NDRF units, worked tirelessly to clear debris and ensure no one remained trapped. District Magistrate Dr. Saurabh Gaur, reaching the site by 12:30 PM, oversaw operations and ordered a geological survey to assess further risks. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed condolences, announcing ₹5 lakh compensation for the deceased’s families and free treatment for the injured. Authorities cited recent heavy rainfall as a likely trigger, exacerbating the region’s vulnerability post the 2013 Kedarnath floods..

आज फिर केदारनाथ पैदल मार्ग पर जंगलचट्टी के पास पहाड़ी से गिरे बोल्डर।
दो श्रद्धालुओं की मौके पर मौत, दो घायल, सूचना मिलने पर प्रशासन की टीम
ने किया रेस्क्यू।#Kedarnath #junglechatti #kedarnathpidalyatramarg pic.twitter.com/N94vXqSHgm

— Ajit Singh Rathi (@AjitSinghRathi) June 18, 2025

Urgent Safety Concerns

This tragedy, following a recent helicopter crash on the Kedarnath route, underscores the perilous conditions faced by pilgrims. With over 5 lakh devotees visiting Kedarnath in 2025, calls for improved infrastructure, real-time weather alerts, and reinforced pathways have intensified. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust safety measures to protect lives on this sacred but treacherous journey.