Gangotri National Highway reopened after debris clearance; Uttarakhand on high alert amid heavy rainfall warning
Uttarkashi, July 10
Traffic movement has been restored on the Gangotri National Highway after debris caused by a landslide near Nalupani was cleared, officials said on Friday.
The road stretch had been blocked due to landslide debris accumulation, disrupting movement along the highway. Following repeated instances of landslides and debris falling at Nalupani, Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya has directed the deployment of a permanent JCB machine at the location.
The move is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted traffic movement and enabling immediate clearance of debris whenever the route gets obstructed due to landslides or other weather-related incidents.
Meanwhile, amid continuous heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand and a warning issued by the Meteorological Department, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to remain on high alert round the clock.
The Chief Minister is continuously taking updates on the situation and preparedness from the Secretary of Disaster Management, Vinod Kumar Suman.
Speaking to ANI, Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swaroop said a red alert has been issued for several districts of Uttarakhand due to forecasts of heavy rainfall, while district administrations and disaster management teams have been placed on high alert.
"A 'Red Alert' has been issued for several districts today, while an 'Orange Alert' is in effect for the others. All District Magistrates and Disaster Management officials are deployed on high alert. Prompt action is being taken to address any incidents of waterlogging or road closures caused by landslides, and personnel are stationed at their respective posts, ready for immediate response. If a route becomes obstructed, measures are being taken to clear it immediately," Swaroop said.
He added that residents have been advised to remain cautious and avoid areas vulnerable to landslides and other hazards.
"Residents have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid dangerous areas where there is a risk to life. Furthermore, the Char Dham Yatra is currently underway. We are ensuring the safety of all pilgrims to prevent any harm, and District Magistrates across all the Dham locations are overseeing these arrangements," he said.
Continuous rainfall across the hilly and plain regions of the state has also led to a rise in the water level of the Ganga River at Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh.
In view of the rising water level, the district administration has intensified security measures at all Ganga ghats.
Personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Water Police and local police have increased round-the-clock patrolling at Triveni Ghat and nearby riverbanks to prevent any untoward incidents.
With heavy rainfall continuing across the state, the administration remains on alert and is monitoring the situation closely.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone from Uttarakhand, every monsoon brings this anxiety. Glad the CM is personally monitoring, but why wait for debris to block roads? Need better drainage and slope stabilization before rains. The rising Ganga level at Rishikesh is worrying too. Stay safe everyone! 🌧️
Red alert for multiple districts and yet the administration seems reactive. Permanent JCB is a temporary fix—we need proper geological surveys and early warning systems. Pilgrims come from across India and abroad; their safety should be top priority. CM should visit affected areas rather than just taking updates from desk officers.
The Char Dham Yatra is the backbone of Uttarakhand's economy. Many local families depend on tourism. Glad the road is cleared but hope the administration doesn't lower guard. Orange and Red alerts mean nothing if not acted upon. Kudos to the SDRF and local teams working 24/7 in hazardous conditions! 🙌
Impressive to see how quickly the Indian administration responds to natural challenges. In California, landslides can shut roads for weeks. Permanent equipment deployment is a practical solution. Hope the weather forecast improves soon. The Ganga rising at Rishikesh is a reminder of nature's power. Be safe, Uttarakhand! 🌊
One JCB won't solve everything. We need multiple machines stationed all along vulnerable stretches. Every year same story—landslides, road blocks, then ad hoc clearance. Why no comprehensive disaster management plan for pilgrimage season? At least police patrolling at ghats is good. But more awareness for locals and pilgrims
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