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Uttarkashi/New Tehri: The Kanwar Yatra in Uttarakhand witnessed two serious road accidents over this weekend, leaving a total of 19 pilgrims injured. Both incidents involved trucks carrying Kanwariyas returning from Gangotri after collecting Gangajal, a sacred ritual during the annual pilgrimage.
14 kanwariyas got injured in an accident which took place on Gangotri highway in New tehri while five injured in the second accident when a truck overturned near Uttarkashi on Rishikesh Gangotri highway.
Fourteen pilgrims were injured, with four in critical condition
The first accident took place near Vaildhar on the Rishikesh-Gangotri National Highway in New Tehri district on Sunday evening. A truck carrying 21 Kanwar pilgrims from Ramgarh village in Rewari district, Haryana, overturned while en route to Haridwar. Fourteen pilgrims were injured, with four in critical condition. Chham Police Station in-charge Sukhpal Maan said the critically injured were referred to a higher medical center in New Tehri, while others received treatment on-site.
Medical Superintendent Dr. Abhilasha led the emergency response team at the scene. The victims had departed from Gangotri with Dak Kanwar on Saturday and were heading toward Haridwar when the accident occurred.
Five devotees sustained injuries in another accident
The second accident occurred near Sonagad in Uttarkashi on Monday morning. A truck carrying 14 Kanwar pilgrims from Delhi lost control while negotiating a turn and overturned on the Gangotri highway. Five devotees sustained injuries and were rushed to Ganganani Hospital by police and SDRF teams.
After receiving first aid, they were discharged. SHO Harshil Deepak Rawat confirmed that the accident temporarily blocked the highway, forcing authorities to create an alternate route for heavy vehicles through nearby fields. Small vehicles continued to use the highway.
A kanwariya reportedly fell off the road near Nag Devta temple ahead of Ganganani
In a related incident, a Kanwariya reportedly fell off the road near Nag Devta temple ahead of Ganganani. Despite search efforts by SDRF and police, the individual could not be located, and the rescue operation was halted due to nightfall.
Concerns over the safety of Kanwar pilgrims
Both incidents have raised concerns over the safety of Kanwar pilgrims traveling in overcrowded or poorly maintained vehicles on narrow and mountainous roads. The Gangotri valley has seen a surge in pilgrim footfall, increasing pressure on local infrastructure and emergency services.
These accidents add to a growing list of mishaps during the yatra season
These accidents are part of a troubling series of mishaps that have occurred during the ongoing yatra season in Uttarakhand’s hilly terrain. On May 16, a Tempo Traveller overturned near Sonagad, injuring eight people. Just two weeks later, on May 31, boulders fell near Dabrani, resulting in the death of two individuals and injuries to twelve others. The dangers continued into June, with a fatal boulder strike on a passenger vehicle near Ganganani claiming one life on June 4.
A few days later, on June 9, a car plunged into a ditch near Sonagad, though the driver miraculously survived. The most severe incident occurred on June 11, when a passenger bus fell into a deep gorge near Ganganani, killing three and leaving 24 injured. On June 24, a bike accident near the Ganganani DM slide led to two more deaths. Most recently, on July 17, a vehicle crash on the Adani Rontal Motorway claimed another life, underscoring the persistent risks faced by pilgrims and travelers navigating Uttarakhand’s monsoon-struck, landslide-prone roads.
Pilgrims are urged to exercise caution and avoid overloading vehicles
Authorities have urged pilgrims to exercise caution and avoid overloading vehicles. With the Kanwar Yatra continuing through the month of Sawan, local administrations are on high alert to prevent further tragedies.
