Monsoon – Uttarakhand Sees Fresh Rainfall as Highway Clearance Efforts Continue
Monsoon – Light to moderate rainfall continued across several parts of Uttarakhand on Friday morning as the ongoing monsoon remained active over northern India. According to an early morning update issued by the state government, weather conditions stayed mostly cloudy across the state, while light rain was recorded in Tejam tehsil of Pithoragarh district. Officials said the report was compiled using information available through telephone updates received by 5:30 AM.
Highways Affected by Debris After Rain
Persistent rainfall triggered debris accumulation at multiple locations in Uttarkashi district, disrupting traffic on key mountain routes. The NH-34 Gangotri National Highway was blocked near Helgugad, Nalupani, and Gangnani after landslide debris covered sections of the road. Authorities immediately began clearance work to restore vehicle movement as quickly as possible.
The NH-134 Yamunotri National Highway also remained closed near Durbil and Syanachatti due to similar conditions. Road restoration teams continued removing debris from the affected stretches to reopen the route safely. Officials advised travelers to remain updated on road conditions before beginning their journeys.
Char Dham Routes Remain Operational
Despite disruptions on some highways, officials confirmed that the Badrinath and Kedarnath National Highways, both vital routes for the ongoing Char Dham Yatra, remained open. Traffic was reported to be moving normally on these pilgrimage corridors, offering relief to thousands of devotees visiting the shrines during the season.
Authorities continue to monitor the road network closely, particularly in vulnerable hill areas where rainfall can quickly lead to landslides or falling debris. Emergency response teams have been placed on alert to respond to any sudden weather-related disruptions.
No Major Disaster Reported Across the State
The latest situation report from the state government indicated that no disaster-related incidents had been reported from any district at the time of the morning assessment. Officials said district administrations remain in constant communication to monitor changing weather conditions and coordinate emergency measures whenever required.
The administration has urged residents and visitors to stay alert, especially in mountainous regions where weather conditions can change rapidly during the monsoon. Travelers have also been encouraged to follow official advisories before using hill roads.
Rising Ganga Water Level Prompts Safety Measures
The effects of continuous rainfall were also evident in Rishikesh on Thursday, where the Ganga River rose above the official warning level near Triveni Ghat. The increase in water level prompted local authorities to strengthen precautionary measures along the riverbanks.
Officials from the Central Water Commission reported that the river was flowing with a strong current after heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas. Considering the potential risk, joint teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Water Police, and Disaster Response Force carried out awareness and evacuation drives at Triveni Ghat, Muni Ki Reti, and Laxman Jhula.
Authorities Appeal for Public Cooperation
Rescue personnel used loudhailers to advise devotees, tourists, and local residents to move away from the ghats and avoid entering the river. They explained that the continued rainfall in higher-altitude regions had significantly increased the river’s flow, creating hazardous conditions that could pose a serious threat to public safety.
Officials emphasized that preventive measures are being taken to minimize risks during the active monsoon period. They urged people to cooperate with emergency teams, follow official instructions, and avoid unnecessary movement near fast-flowing rivers until water levels return to safer limits.