Uttarakhand Rains: Tamasa River Swells, Tapkeshwar Temple Submerged

Uttarakhand: Monsoon rains swell Tamasa River, trigger tree fall and vehicle damage near Dehradun's Tapkeshwar temple

Dehradun, August 23

Following continuous overnight downpours across the hill district, the famous and historic Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is in spate as the overflowing Tamasa River surges past its normal banks.

The disruptive weather has also rattled normal routines across the district, culminating in a tree collapse that caused structural and material damage to nearby vehicles.

Continuous rainfall in the hilly areas of Uttarakhand's Garhwal division has disrupted normal life, prompting the administration to remain on alert as water levels in major rivers continue to rise.

Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swaroop earlier said several disaster-related incidents have been reported during the ongoing monsoon season, and people have been advised to remain cautious.

"We are experiencing heavy monsoon rains. Since this is the disaster-prone monsoon season, various incidents are occurring, and water levels in all major rivers have risen significantly," Commissioner Swaroop told ANI.

Earlier this week, Tehri Garhwal District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO) Brijesh Bhatt said that the National Highway-707A (Kempty-Yamunapul) has been completely washed away beyond Dimta Bend in Tehri Garhwal due to the ongoing heavy rainfall.

Speaking to ANI, Bhatt said that NH-707A has been closed due to a washout between Dimta Bend and Jeevan Ashram. Vehicles are being diverted through Mussoorie Bend towards Vikasnagar following the damage to the highway.

"Meanwhile, NH-07 has been blocked near Devprayag on the Rishikesh-Kirtinagar route due to debris, while eight Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) roads and seven Public Works Department (PWD) roads have also been closed following debris accumulation," he said.

The disruption came amid continuous rainfall in the hilly areas of Uttarakhand's Garhwal division, which affected normal life and prompted the administration to remain on alert.

The region has been experiencing heavy monsoon rains, with water levels in major rivers rising significantly. Authorities have issued instructions for regular public announcements to alert residents about the prevailing conditions.

People were advised not to go near riverbanks or engage in risky activities, including taking selfies near rivers. River levels have also risen in Dehradun, particularly in the Tamsa, Tons, and Asan rivers. Water is also flowing in the Rispana River due to heavy rainfall in the mountainous areas.

According to the officials, some areas recorded daily rainfall exceeding 200 mm. The rainfall has also raised concerns over damage to roads and other structures. Authorities have advised people and pilgrims to follow instructions if their movement is temporarily stopped due to weather or road conditions.

Authorities have urged Char Dham Yatra pilgrims to follow safety instructions and remain in designated safe areas whenever movement is restricted.

The administration has also made arrangements to manage pilgrims in case travel is temporarily halted because of rainfall or damage to roads and other structures.

— ANI