Relentless Rain Swells Uttarakhand Rivers, Char Dham Yatra Halted Again

Relentless rainfall continued to lash Uttarakhand on Wednesday, swelling major rivers, triggering landslides, blocking highways and forcing authorities to keep the Char Dham Yatra suspended as a precaution against worsening weather conditions.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, 109 roads across the state remain closed, with restoration teams working continuously to clear debris and restore connectivity. Among the worst-hit routes is the Tyuni-Mussoorie-Maletha National Highway, which has been blocked near Nagthat following a landslide.

The situation has also affected pilgrim movement to Yamunotri, where the pedestrian route from Janakichatti was damaged near Ram Mandir after the river overflowed. Officials said alternative arrangements have been made to ensure movement wherever safely possible.

Water levels in several rivers have risen sharply, prompting heightened vigilance. In Haridwar, the Ganga was flowing at 292.90 metres, just 0.10 metres below the warning level. In Rudraprayag, both the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers crossed their warning marks, increasing concerns over possible flooding in vulnerable areas.

In Pithoragarh, the Kali River reached 888.90 metres, only 0.10 metres below its warning level, prompting authorities to closely monitor the situation.

Officials have advised residents to avoid riverbanks, while people living in low-lying areas have been urged to shift to safer locations if required. Disaster response teams and district administrations remain on alert as weather conditions continue to remain unstable.

The Char Dham Yatra, suspended on July 28 and 29, remains halted until conditions improve, with authorities prioritising pilgrim safety amid persistent rain and landslide risks.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Thursday, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in Bageshwar, Nainital, Champawat and Pithoragarh districts. Authorities have instructed local administrations to maintain round-the-clock preparedness and implement all precautionary measures to minimise risks and ensure public safety during the ongoing spell of adverse weather.