Kedarnath Weather: Kedarnath Yatra is being conducted smoothly, but in view of the onset of monsoon and continuous weather related alerts, the district administration is fully alert. Every activity, from travel route to heli services, is being closely monitored. Decisions are being taken continuously on the basis of information received from the Meteorological Department and the safety of passengers is being given top priority.
Rudraprayag District Magistrate Vishal Mishra said that in view of the monsoon season, security standards have been further strengthened in the conduct of Kedarnath Dham Yatra. All heli service providers have been instructed to ensure complete compliance with DGCA guidelines. He said that if visibility is low, there is heavy rain or the weather is not favorable for flying, then the operation of heli services will be stopped with immediate effect. There will be no compromise of any kind with the safety of passengers.
The District Magistrate said that every weather related alert is being monitored 24 hours. Till now about 12 lakh devotees have had darshan of Baba Kedar and the yatra is progressing systematically. Monitoring of heli services becomes extremely important during inclement weather. In such a situation, clear instructions have been given to all heli operators to avoid operating flights in case of even low visibility or excessive rain during monsoon.
He claimed that the Disaster Control Room, Sector Officer, Nodal Officer, Disaster Management Department and Meteorological Department are continuously monitoring the situation with mutual coordination. Decisions related to travel and operation of heli services are taken only on the basis of alerts received from the Meteorological Department. He said that due to bad weather, many times passengers have to face inconvenience and heli tickets also have to be cancelled, but the safety of passengers is paramount. In case of red alert or extremely bad weather, passengers are stopped at safe places and the journey is resumed only after the weather becomes normal.
The District Magistrate further said that information is being exchanged continuously through Chardham Yatra control rooms established inside and outside the district. Passengers are given timely weather and travel alerts at various stops including Srinagar, so that they can be kept safe in case of any emergency. Kedarnath Dham Yatra is being conducted by giving top priority to security and due to the vigilance and better coordination of the administration, the Yatra is progressing safely, systematically and smoothly.
