A man killed by falling boulders near the Cheerbasa helipad when the Kedarnath Yatra was temporarily suspended

People clear debris near the Chirbasa heliport after the Kedarnath footpath was blocked following rain in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand. | Photo credit: PTI

A man was killed after being hit by falling boulders near the Cheerbasa helipad in Kedarnath on Sunday (13 September 2026), even as the pilgrimage was temporarily suspended due to rain and landslides, officials said.

According to the State Emergency Operations Center, the victim was hit by boulders rolling down a hill near the Cheerbasa helipad, resulting in death on the spot.

The deceased has been identified as 65-year-old Madan Mohan Tiwari, a resident of Ukhimath.

Police said the Kedarnath pilgrimage route was blocked due to debris during the rain.

Officials said Kedarnath-bound passengers were advised to halt at Sonprayag and Gaurikund, while those returning were told to halt at Jangalchatti.

Authorities have asked all pilgrims not to continue on the route until the trail is cleared and official permission is granted.

Pilgrim movement will resume only after weather conditions normalize and roads are cleared for safety, officials said.

Published – 14 Sep 2026 04:19 IST