Kedarnath Yatra Update: Horse and Mule Travel Suspended For 24 Hours After Animal Deaths
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In response to the deaths of several animals along the Kedarnath Yatra route, authorities have temporarily banned the use of horses and mules for 24 hours. The suspension comes after eight animal fatalities were reported on Sunday, followed by six more on Monday, prompting an urgent review of the situation.
BVRC Purushottam, Secretary of the Uttarakhand Animal Husbandry Department, confirmed the deaths and emphasized that the temporary suspension aims to prevent further losses and determine the cause. “We are taking this seriously. A central team will arrive on Tuesday to investigate and identify the reasons behind these animal deaths,” he said.
In the interim, helicopter services between Sonprayag and Kedarnath have resumed to facilitate pilgrim movement. Over 150 devotees are currently availing of the service daily. According to helicopter operator Pawan Rana, the flights operate 20 to 30 times per day, subject to weather conditions. Tickets can be booked through IRCTC or local authorities.
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Rana assured that passenger safety remains the top priority. “If weather conditions are unfavourable, flights are cancelled without hesitation. All safety protocols are strictly followed, and travellers are properly briefed before departure,” he added.
The Kedarnath temple, a key destination in the Char Dham Yatra, reopened on May 2, with the idol of Baba Kedarnath arriving a day earlier. Yamunotri Dham, another major stop in the yatra, was opened on April 30, marked by a visit from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.
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Officials have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety and convenience of all pilgrims. The government is also reportedly working on a comprehensive master plan, particularly for the more difficult stretches of the yatra such as the route to Yamunotri.
