Dehradun, August 31(HS):

A crucial bridge over the Tamak stream on the Jyotirmath-Malari highway in Chamoli’s border area has been completely washed away, resulting in a total blockade of the route. Connectivity to more than half a dozen villages in the region has been severed. The Border Roads Organization (BRO) is actively engaged in restoring the passage at the earliest. Meanwhile, all Char Dham pilgrimage routes remain closed due to ongoing disruptions.

Continuous heavy rainfall has severely impacted normal life in Uttarakhand. Search and rescue operations are underway in disaster-affected areas of Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Bageshwar districts, although intermittent rains continue to hamper these efforts. Local administrations, under the directive of the State Disaster Management Authority, are fully mobilized for relief, rescue, and rehabilitation work.

Since last night, Chamoli has witnessed relentless downpours. The collapse of the bridge near Tamak Nala on the road connecting Joshimath to Niti Valley has strategically crippled movement in this vital area. This route plays a key role in supplying essential goods to border outposts, and the situation has left over six villages completely isolated. Residents report repeated hardships due to recurring road collapses over the past month, despite government assurances that BRO has been instructed to carry out repairs promptly.

In Uttarkashi, the Gangotri National Highway has been blocked by landslides and debris at multiple points including Dharasu, Netala, Chadethi, and Bhatwari. Efforts to clear the roads are ongoing, with only light vehicles able to traverse between Harshil and Dharali at present. Similarly, the Yamunotri National Highway is obstructed near Silai Band, Jhajar Gad, Junglechatti, Banas, and Naradchatti.

In Kumaon, intensifying water flow in Sher Nala and Surya Nala has disrupted the Haldwani-Chorgalia-Sitarganj state highway, impeding traffic significantly.

The Meteorological and Science Centre in Dehradun has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall covering Dehradun, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar districts. Residents along the banks of rivers such as Alaknanda, Ganga, Yamuna, Saryu, Gomti, Pindar, and Kali are being warned to stay cautious. Police forces continue to alert people via loudspeakers, and the State Disaster Management Authority has set all affected districts to high alert mode.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar