In view of the persistent rainfall and unpredictable weather, the Kinnaur district administration has called off the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra with immediate effect.
An official order issued by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kinnaur, Dr Amit Kumar Sharma, stated that heavy rains, shooting stones, and dense fog in this region have already led to tragic incidents and loss of lives. To prevent further risks, the yatra has been concluded.
The DC said with more rain and cloudy weather predicted in the next five to seven days, precautionary steps were necessary to ensure safety of people. Using powers under Section 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the yatra has been cancelled with immediate effect until further orders. Any pilgrim attempting the journey will be escorted back to the base camp, and action will be taken against violators under the Disaster Management Act.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Kinnaur, Abhishek Shekhar, along with Home Guards and the DCF Kinnaur, will deploy forces to ensure safe return of devotees. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kalpa has been asked to coordinate with departments concerned, tourism bodies, panchayats, and other stakeholders for effective closure and compliance. Local bodies, officials, and enforcement personnel have also been instructed to strictly implement the order.
The district administration has urged the public and pilgrims to cooperate for their own safety and avoid any attempt to undertake the pilgrimage until conditions improve. The yatra, which began on July 15 and was scheduled to continue till August 30, has already faced multiple suspensions due to heavy rainfall and erratic weather. The trek starts from Tangling village in Kinnaur and ends at the Kinnaur Kailash peak, at an altitude of 6,050 metres. Unfortunately, four pilgrims have lost their lives on the route this year.
Also Read: 2 pilgrims die, over 1,000 rescued from Kinnaur route
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