Man killed by falling boulders as Kedarnath route blocked by debris

A 65-year-old man died after falling boulders struck him near the Cheerbasa Helipad on the Kedarnath route. Heavy rain and landslides have blocked the path, halting pilgrim movement until conditions improve.

In Short

• Madan Mohan Tiwari of Ukhimath died after boulders rolled downhill nearby
• State Emergency Operation Centre said the strike happened near Cheerbasa Helipad
• Ongoing rain left the Kedarnath pilgrimage route blocked by fresh debris

A 65-year-old man was killed after being struck by falling boulders near the Cheerbasa Helipad on the Kedarnath pilgrimage route in Uttarakhand on Sunday, as heavy rain and landslides forced authorities to temporarily suspend pilgrim movement.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, boulders rolling down a hillside near the helipad struck the man, identified as Madan Mohan Tiwari, a resident of Ukhimath. He died on the spot.

The Kedarnath pilgrimage route has also been blocked by debris amid the ongoing rain, police said.

Authorities have advised pilgrims travelling towards Kedarnath to halt at Sonprayag and Gaurikund, while those returning have been asked to stop at Jangalchatti.

Officials urged pilgrims not to proceed further along the route until the debris is cleared and permission is given to resume movement. The pilgrimage will restart only after weather conditions improve and the route is declared safe, authorities said.

- Ends
with agency inputs