Due to heavy rains and landslides in Uttarakhand, Char Dham Yatra has been stopped for Tuesday and Wednesday. Security arrangements have been tightened on Kedarnath route.
Dehradun (Uttarakhand): Due to heavy rains and landslides in Uttarakhand, Char Dham Yatra has been stopped for Tuesday and Wednesday. The administration has taken this decision keeping in mind the safety of the passengers, as the travel routes have been closed at many places due to landslides.
Divisional Commissioner of Garhwal said that as soon as the weather improves and the roads become clear and safe, the yatra will be resumed.
After continuous rains, Kedarnath Highway has been closed due to debris and stones falling from the hill in Munkatia area. Heavy machines are being used to remove the debris and the work to open the road is going on a war footing. The district administration is taking all necessary steps for the safe movement of passengers.
The entire situation is being monitored in real time from the Yatra Control Room. Announcements are being made continuously to give necessary instructions to sector officers, policemen and other security forces, so that coordination can be maintained and safety of passengers can be ensured.
Rudraprayag District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO) Nandan Singh Rajwar said, “The road travel route is likely to be disrupted at many places. Currently, the road was closed in Munkatiya, which was immediately opened, but there is danger there. There is a constant fear of stone falling, so keeping in mind the safety, people are being made to cross the road. The concerned sector officers and rescue teams are constantly keeping an eye on the entire route and are also asking people to stop at safe places. It is being said.”
He further said, “The weather warnings are also being continuously monitored from the Yatra Control Room. The shopkeepers present on the Kedarnath Yatra route and the pilgrims already present there are also being cautioned through announcements and constant monitoring is being done from here.”
Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pramendra Doval said, “Dehradun Police has been put on high alert in view of the continuous heavy rains in Dehradun and hill districts.”
He said he is personally monitoring the situation to swiftly deal with any emergency.
Doval further said, “Police teams have been deployed in all the police station areas and they are continuously patrolling the sensitive places. Since last night, the soldiers have been patrolling the banks of rivers and drains and other areas prone to floods. They are alerting people using loudhailers and are advising them to stay away from rivers and rain drains due to the rising water level. People living in vulnerable areas on the river banks are also taking precautions. “As they are being transported to safe places.”
He also said, “Besides, the water level of Ganga has increased in Rishikesh area after the release of water from Srinagar Dam. In view of this, police teams are continuously patrolling the Ganga ghats and warning people not to go near the river. Also, they are being appealed to follow the safety advisories.”