Authorities in Uttarakhand have suspended the Char Dham Yatra for two days as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red and orange rain alerts across the state. The pilgrimage is on hold from the afternoon of September 26 to September 27.

Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swaroop ordered the suspension, writing to all district magistrates to take safety measures. He said the decision was taken keeping the safety of pilgrims arriving from across the country and abroad in mind.

The IMD has put Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar under a red alert for Saturday. For Sunday, the red alert covers Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri and Haridwar. Schools up to Class 12 are shut in five districts.

Officials said there have been no reports of casualties or major damage so far. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami appealed to the public to stay vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel. The Yatra will resume once weather conditions normalise.