Kedarnath, the land glorifies the religious aura of great Mahadeva. Devotees from all around the world come to seek blessings of Lord Shiva at Kedarnath temple. Heavy destruction was caused by the melting of the Chorabari glacier. The flow of water was so rapid and high that it took away everything that came its way.
A scene of Death and Destruction in Kedarnath after the 2013 Flood
Due to flood all the major roads were obliterated. All around were the broken roads. The 18 km uphill trek route from Gaurikund to Kedarnath temple was washed away. Severe damage to the roads resulted in traffic jams. Many people were stuck in various areas due to block roads. Stranded pilgrims survived without ration on little food. The forceful flow of water washed away cars and vehicles. Shops, hotels, rest houses in the Kedarnath valley were destroyed. According to reports 10-foot-high mound of debris was deposited near the Kedarnath shrine. Thousand of bodies were buried under the mound of debris.
Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Plan for Kedarnath after 2013 Flash Flood
The Uttarakhand cabinet approved a reconstruction & rehabilitation plan for Kedarnath. Rehabilitation programmes were initiated for priest, shopkeepers, businessmen and tourist who were affected by the flash flood. Resettlement work around Kedarnath temple was also started. Many strategies were planned out for taking flood control measures at Kedarnath area. Work for stabilization of slopes was also started. The entire trek which had been washed away reconstruction was completed in 2015, when yatra restarted.
Still Kedarnath defines serenity and its spiritual setting is worth exploring. Lakhs of pilgrims every year with high spirit take the spiritual journey to Kedarnath.
