Monsoon disruption in Uttarakhand: Gangotri, Yamunotri routes hit by landslides; Asan Barrage opens gates
Dehradun, August 6
The Gangotri and Yamunotri National Highways were blocked at different locations in Uttarkashi district following road obstruction and continuous rockfall, while authorities in Dehradun released floodwater from the Asan Barrage after a sharp rise in water discharge in the Asan River.
According to the Uttarkashi district administration, the Gangotri National Highway has been blocked near Dharasu Nalu Pani due to road obstruction. The Yamunotri National Highway has also been blocked near Silai Bend in the Durbil area following continuous rockfall and debris falling from the hillside.
The Uttarkashi district administration said that the Rishikesh-Yamunotri National Highway (NH-134) remains blocked near Silaiband in Syanachatti due to a landslide and the accumulation of debris. National Highway authorities are carrying out clearance operations to restore traffic.
Meanwhile, the Rishikesh-Gangotri National Highway (NH-34) has been reopened for small vehicles near Papdagad. Efforts are continuing to restore access for heavy vehicles as well. The district administration said that the authorities are monitoring the situation and restoration work will be undertaken once weather conditions become favourable.
Meanwhile, in Dehradun, officials said a sharp increase in water discharge in the Asan River on Thursday led to a large accumulation of floating debris, including garbage, grass and other materials, which completely clogged the trash rack screen at the Asan Barrage.
According to the authorities, the blockage made it impossible to divert water into the power channel. According to the officials, at 8:00 am, the parts per million (PPM) level in the water had risen to 4,275.
Following the increase in water discharge and accumulation of debris, authorities sounded five long warning sirens at 8:15 am before opening the barrage gates to release floodwater into the Yamuna River.
According to the official notice issued by the authorities, approximately 39,000 cusecs of water is expected to be released from the Asan Barrage, Dhalipur, into the Yamuna River for around three hours.
The road blockades have affected movement on two of Uttarakhand's key pilgrimage routes during the ongoing monsoon season. Officials said teams are on alert and are closely monitoring weather conditions and the affected stretches. Restoration work on the blocked highways will begin as soon as it is safe for personnel and machinery to operate.
— ANI
Reader Comments
My parents were supposed to go for Gangotri darshan next week. Now I'm worried about their safety. I wish the administration had issued alerts earlier so people could plan better. Safety first, darshan can wait.
The authorities deserve appreciation for the timely sirens at Asan Barrage. At least they are learning from past mistakes - this kind of proactive warning can save lives. Hope other states also follow this practice during monsoon.
These mountain towns are so fragile. Climate change making things worse. Last year we were stuck in Kedarnath for 3 days because of similar landslides. Pilgrims should carry emergency supplies and check weather forecast before starting the yatra. 🙏
The Asan River debris issue shows how careless we are with our rivers. All that plastic and garbage downstream ends up choking infrastructure. Need stricter penalties for dumping waste into rivers upstream. This is our collective responsibility.
As someone who has trekked the Char Dham route, the landslide issue is getting worse each year. The administration's quick response opening gates and alerting locals shows they've learned from the 2013 catastrophe. Still, God speed to the stranded pilgrims! 🌧️
K Kavya N These We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.