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DEOPRAYAG, UTTARANCHAL, INDIA, May 7, 2004: A massive landslide from mountains overlooking the hilly route to the twin Hindu holy pilgrimage destinations of Badrinath and Kedarnath in Uttaranchal has left hundreds of pilgrims stranded. Though no casualties have been reported, state authorities have halted traffic along the hilly route as rocks and boulders continued to fall. Brought about by unexpected rains, the landslide has caused extensive damage to the roads in the hilly state. The massive landslide blocked the strategic highway between Kaudiyala and Deoprayag as authorities wait for earth to stabilize before attempting to clear the rubble. Devotees who have been forced to take shelter in makeshift accommodations blame state authorities for not intimating them about the road blockade. “Nobody told us that the road was blocked ahead. Had they told us earlier, we would not have had so much trouble. We have not eaten anything since morning. There is no way we can go,” said J.R. Handa, a devotee from Delhi. “Roads are blocked but the administration are clearing the debris. There are many people stranded here. It has been four hours. We had to go to Badrinath. We are finding it very difficult here,” said Nageshwar Singh, a devotee from Hyderabad.



Badrinath shrine is considered as one of the most sacred centers of Hindu pilgrimage, situated in the lofty Himalayas at a height of 10,248 feet above sea level. The route to Badrinath is one of the most arduous due to the lofty hilly terrain, curves and cliffs amidst the most beautiful place on the earth. Kedarnath is another holy Hindu pilgrimage. It is set amidst the stunning mountainscape of the Garhwal Himalayas at the head of the river Ganges. With most of its terrain hilly, Uttaranchal is a highly earthquake and landslide prone state.

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