2 labourers carrying Kedarnath pilgrim on palanquin killed in landslide

By | June 18, 2025
Kedarnath landslide kills palanquin bearers near Jungle Chatti trail

A sudden landslide struck the Kedarnath trek route near Jungle Chatti on Tuesday, killing two labourers. They were carrying a pilgrim in a palanquin when large boulders crashed down. The woman in the palanquin survived with minor injuries.

The incident occurred around 11:20 am, during the ongoing Char Dham Yatra. It has raised fresh concerns about safety on the popular religious route during monsoon.

What Happened at Jungle Chatti

Nitin Kumar and Chandrashekhar, both from Jammu & Kashmir’s Doda district, died instantly when the rocks struck. They were among four porters carrying a woman in a wooden palanquin.

The landslide hit the narrow mountain path, sending debris down on the group. Two others—Sandeep Kumar and Nitin Manhas—also suffered injuries. Another pilgrim, Akash Chitriya, was nearby and got hurt as well.

Rescue workers and locals rushed to help. They pulled out the injured and recovered the bodies using ropes and stretchers.

Prompt Response by Rescue Teams

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and police acted quickly. After receiving alerts from nearby pilgrims, they reached the spot with medical and rescue gear.

They used rope systems to descend into the gorge and bring out those trapped. Medical teams provided first aid on-site and shifted the injured to the nearest health center.

The woman pilgrim, though shaken, received only minor injuries and is stable.

Terrain and Weather Make the Route Dangerous

Jungle Chatti is a known danger zone. The narrow trail hugs steep cliffs, and its loose rocks often fall during rains. Despite repeated warnings, many pilgrims continue walking here without proper awareness of the risks.

June’s monsoon rains further weaken the slopes. Sudden cloudbursts or mild tremors can trigger massive rockfalls in seconds.

Officials said they had already issued warnings to pilgrims. However, the sheer number of daily trekkers makes full monitoring difficult.

Porters Carry the Burden—and the Risk

Thousands of labourers from states like Jammu & Kashmir, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh come to Kedarnath each year. They carry pilgrims, luggage, and supplies on foot. Many support their families with what they earn during the yatra season.

Porters often walk the same stretch multiple times a day. Each trip is exhausting and risky. Yet, their service remains under-recognized.

The deaths of Nitin Kumar and Chandrashekhar highlight how exposed these workers are to natural disasters. Many lack insurance, protective gear, or official recognition.

Time to Improve Safety on Yatra Routes

This tragedy is not the first. In past years, landslides, cloudbursts, and flash floods have killed dozens during the yatra season. Experts argue that Uttarakhand needs stronger safety protocols.

Suggestions include:

  • Restricting trek hours during rain-prone times
  • Setting up early-warning landslide detection systems
  • Building rockfall shelters and diversion walls
  • Providing insurance and support to registered porters
  • Training local guides and porters in emergency response

Authorities must act quickly. With climate change intensifying weather patterns, such disasters may become more frequent.

Advisory for Pilgrims

Following the incident, officials urged all pilgrims to:

  • Start treks early in the morning
  • Avoid walking during or after rainfall
  • Stay updated with weather alerts
  • Travel in groups with registered porters or guides
  • Carry essential gear like ponchos, first-aid, and ID proof

Officials also suggested that elderly pilgrims or those with health concerns should consider shorter stretches or helicopter services, when available.

Faith Meets Fragile Mountains

Kedarnath, perched at 11,755 feet, draws lakhs of devotees every year. The route from Gaurikund is scenic but filled with hazards. This sacred journey often tests not just devotion but endurance and caution.

For the families of the two porters, the yatra ended in sorrow. Their sacrifice serves as a powerful reminder: behind every safe pilgrim’s journey stand workers who risk their lives daily.