Rudraprayag, September 21 ( ) The pilgrimage to Kedarnath by road was stopped on Saturday after a part of the footpath near Jangal Chatti caved in, leaving thousands of pilgrims returning from the Himalayan temple stranded.

Officials said helicopter service is operational.

Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Akshay Prahlad Conde said that a 10-15 meter portion of the trek route suddenly caved in, making movement on the route impossible. Due to this thousands of pilgrims returning from the temple got stuck.

However, an alternative route, though long and winding, was quickly prepared to evacuate the stranded pilgrims, he said.

Around 5,000 pilgrims have been evacuated so far and the rest are also being brought down with the help of police, SDRF and NDRF personnel, he said.

Conde said, the priority is to first evacuate those pilgrims who were stuck on the way while returning from Kedarnath.

The SP said that pilgrims going to the temple have been asked to stop at places like Phata, Guptkashi, Rudraprayag and Srinagar till the trek route is restored, which may take some time.

Pilgrimage to the temple by air route continues unhindered, he said.

Conde said, people who had to leave for the temple from Gaurikund and Sonprayag were asked not to proceed on their onward journey to stay safe.

The SP said that no pilgrim has been allowed to go beyond Sonprayag and Gaurikund after the trek route near Jangal Chatti was damaged.

Conde said, keeping in mind the safety of pilgrims going to Kedarnath on foot, the police have requested them to stay wherever they are and not to rush to reach Sonprayag or Gaurikund, where there are limited accommodation facilities.