Dehradun, 28 July (H.S.): Torrential rainfall has severely disrupted normal life across Uttarakhand. In view of landslides along the Char Dham pilgrimage routes and a warning of heavy rainfall, the Char Dham Yatra has been suspended for two days on July 28 and 29.

Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swaroop said that the pilgrimage has been temporarily halted for the safety of devotees due to landslides at several locations along the Char Dham routes. He said the yatra will resume once weather conditions improve and the routes are declared safe. The administration has appealed to pilgrims not to undertake the journey during this period and to rely only on official updates.

According to the Meteorological Centre, Dehradun, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected to continue in several districts of the state over the next two days, with extremely intense rainfall likely at some places. A heavy rainfall, lightning and intense rain alert has been issued for Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Tehri, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Pauri, Haridwar, Nainital, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh districts for Tuesday.

Similar weather conditions are expected to prevail on July 29 in Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Tehri, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Nainital and Bageshwar districts.

Authorities have warned that continuous rainfall may trigger landslides, falling of rocks, blockages on national and state highways, sudden rise in water levels of rivers and streams, waterlogging in low-lying areas, and disruption of electricity and drinking water services.

People have been advised to avoid venturing near rivers and streams and undertake travel in hilly areas only when absolutely necessary.

During the last 24 hours, Maldevta in Dehradun district recorded the highest rainfall in the state at 233 mm. Hathi Barkala received 194.5 mm, Jolly Grant 172.2 mm, Mussoorie 163 mm, Ukhimath 120 mm, Didihat 102 mm, Mohkampur 95.8 mm, Dhanaulti 88 mm, Haldwani and Thal 83 mm each, Chamoli 80.6 mm, Tejam 73 mm, Berinag 72 mm, Kirtinagar 70 mm and Narendra Nagar 63 mm of rainfall.

In Dehradun, the structure of the culvert near Nanda Ki Chowki remains safe. However, due to heavy rainfall, soil beneath the approach road was washed away, causing a portion of the road to sink. Repair work is being carried out on a war footing.

District Magistrate Dr Ashish Chauhan inspected the site and directed officials to restore the route within three hours. He also inspected damaged roads and protective walls in the Maldevta, Soda Saroli and Sahastradhara areas and instructed officials to accelerate relief and restoration work.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar