Maharashtra Pilgrims Stranded in Yamunotri, Rescue Efforts Underway
Maharashtra Pilgrims Stranded in Yamunotri, Rescue Efforts Underway
Mumbai, July 1, 2025
A group of pilgrims from Maharashtra has been stranded in Yamunotri, one of the four revered Char Dham sites in Uttarakhand, following a massive landslide triggered by a cloudburst on Sunday. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday confirmed that rescue operations are in progress and assured that efforts are being made to move the affected pilgrims to safety.
Speaking to reporters outside the Vidhan Bhavan during the monsoon session of the state legislature, Shinde said, “Some devotees from Maharashtra are stuck at Yamunotri Dham. I have personally spoken to one of the pilgrims from Mahabaleshwar in Satara. The Maharashtra government is in constant communication with Uttarakhand authorities. They have confirmed that rescue operations are underway.”
Shinde added that once rescued, the pilgrims will be relocated to a safer location in Rishikesh. However, he did not disclose the total number of people from Maharashtra currently affected.
The Char Dham Yatra route was severely impacted by the landslide, especially along the Yamunotri highway, which was breached at multiple locations, halting all vehicular movement.
Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya stated that the situation has improved slightly due to normal rainfall on Monday. “Restoration work along the Yamunotri route is progressing quickly. Ensuring traffic movement on the route is our priority. All pilgrims stranded in places like Janakichatti are safe and have access to food, medical care, and administrative support,” Arya said.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and both state governments have assured full support until all pilgrims are safely relocated.
