Uttarakhand – Dhami Orders Round-the-Clock Vigil as Heavy Rain Continues

Uttarakhand – Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has instructed government departments to maintain round-the-clock readiness as persistent heavy rain affects several parts of the state. The direction follows weather warnings issued by the Meteorological Department, with authorities preparing for possible landslides, waterlogging, road closures and rising river levels.

Chief Minister Reviews Disaster Response Preparedness

Dhami has been regularly reviewing the evolving weather situation with Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman. Officials have been asked to stay connected with district-level teams and ensure that emergency response arrangements remain active throughout the day and night.

The state administration is closely monitoring areas vulnerable to rain-related disruptions, particularly in the hill districts where landslides and blocked roads can affect travel and local connectivity. Rescue agencies and district authorities have also been directed to respond quickly if conditions worsen.

Red Alert Issued for Several Districts

Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swaroop said on Friday that a red alert had been issued for several districts of Uttarakhand due to forecasts of intense rainfall. Other parts of the state are under an orange alert, prompting authorities to strengthen local monitoring and preparedness measures.

According to Swaroop, district magistrates and disaster management officials have been placed on alert. Teams have been deployed to deal with incidents such as water accumulation in populated areas, landslides on mountain roads and traffic disruptions caused by debris or damaged routes.

He said that officials are working to clear blocked roads as soon as possible and have been positioned at key locations to ensure a rapid response. The administration is also coordinating with agencies responsible for road maintenance, rescue operations and public safety.

Residents Asked to Avoid High-Risk Locations

Authorities have appealed to residents to remain cautious during the continuing rain and avoid areas that may pose a danger to life. People living near rivers, steep slopes and landslide-prone zones have been advised to follow local administration instructions and avoid unnecessary movement during severe weather.

Officials are keeping a close watch on vulnerable routes and settlements, especially where heavy rainfall may trigger landslides or flash flooding. District administrations have also been asked to share timely updates with residents and tourists through official channels.

Char Dham Pilgrims Under Close Watch

With the Char Dham Yatra continuing, the state government has placed special emphasis on the safety of pilgrims travelling to the Himalayan shrines. District magistrates at all Char Dham locations are overseeing arrangements related to traffic movement, weather updates, accommodation and emergency assistance.

The administration is monitoring pilgrimage routes for any obstruction caused by rain or falling debris. Officials said steps are being taken to ensure that visitors are not allowed to travel through unsafe stretches when weather conditions become severe.

Ganga Water Level Rises in Rishikesh

Continuous rainfall in both the hill and plain regions has led to a gradual increase in the water level of the Ganga at Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh. In response, the district administration has tightened safety arrangements at river ghats and nearby banks.

Personnel from the State Disaster Response Force, Water Police and local police have intensified patrolling around Triveni Ghat and adjoining riverfront areas. Their presence has been increased to prevent accidents and stop people from entering unsafe sections near the river.

Officials said the situation is being monitored continuously as rainfall persists across Uttarakhand. Residents, pilgrims and visitors have been urged to remain alert, follow official advisories and avoid taking risks near rivers, steep slopes and rain-affected roads.