Uttarakhand is facing significant disruptions due to cloudbursts and heavy rainfall, leading to the suspension of the Char Dham Yatra and causing considerable damage across the state. Here are the key updates:
Char Dham Yatra Suspended: The Char Dham Yatra has been temporarily suspended for 24 hours as a precautionary measure due to heavy rain and the risk of landslides. Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey stated that instructions have been given to halt pilgrims in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Sonprayag, and Vikasnagar. This decision prioritizes the safety of pilgrims and aims to prevent potential accidents.
Cloudburst in Uttarkashi: A cloudburst hit Silai Band on the Barkot-Yamunotri road in Uttarkashi district, causing extensive damage to an under-construction hotel site at Baligarh. Tragically, nine road construction laborers are missing and feared to have been swept away. These workers are reported to be of Nepali origin.
Search and Rescue Operations: Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local police are conducting search and rescue operations at the cloudburst site. Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed the severity of the damage and the ongoing efforts to locate the missing workers.
Road Blockages and Landslides: Heavy rains have triggered multiple landslides, blocking key highways including the Yamunotri National Highway and the Badrinath-Rishikesh Highway. The National Highway near Nandprayag and Bhaneropani is also blocked. The road near Ojri is completely damaged, and agricultural fields in Kuthnaur village are filled with debris. The Kupda Kunshala Trikhili motor bridge in Syanachatti is also at risk due to the rising water level of the Yamuna River. Authorities are working to clear the obstructions and restore normal traffic.
Red Alert Issued: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Uttarakhand for June 30 and July 1, warning of very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning in isolated locations. A red alert indicates the need for authorities and residents to take immediate action to protect lives and property.
Impact on Char Dham Route: The Yamunotri route has been severely impacted, with a 10-meter section of the highway washed away. The Badrinath-Rishikesh highway was blocked due to falling debris at Sirobgad. Movement on the Sonprayag–Munkatiya road has been restricted due to landslides.
Stranded Pilgrims: Pilgrims traveling to Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Hemkund Sahib have been stopped at safe locations due to the road blockages. Authorities have advised travelers to remain at designated shelters and avoid paying attention to rumors.
Government Response: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is closely monitoring the situation and has instructed officials to ensure the safety of pilgrims and residents. Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary of Disaster Management for Uttarakhand, confirmed that the government is taking all necessary measures and has activated relief and rescue teams.
Missing Workers Details: 19 workers were present at the hotel construction site when the cloudburst hit; 10 have been rescued. The search continues for the remaining nine, who are feared to be trapped under the debris.
Agricultural Damage: Heavy rain has caused significant damage to agricultural land in Kuthnaur village, with fields filled with debris. This adds to the economic challenges faced by the region during this crisis.
The Char Dham Yatra officially commenced on April 30, with the opening of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams. The pilgrimage is considered one of the most sacred in Hinduism, attracting thousands of devotees to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. However, the Yatra faces significant challenges during the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall, landslides, and road closures.
