Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya on Saturday inspected the site of a massive landslide near Syanachatti on the Yamunotri National Highway and reviewed ongoing restoration work following continuous rainfall in the district.
During the inspection, the DM directed officials of the concerned departments to construct an alternative route on a war footing to restore traffic movement on the National Highway at the earliest. He also instructed officials to ensure that all necessary resources and machinery are made available at the site without delay.
Arya directed the Executive Engineer of the National Highways Authority to complete the under-construction bridge over the Yamuna River at Syanachatti within one week to improve connectivity in the affected area.
The District Magistrate said that the safety of Char Dham pilgrims and local residents remains the administration’s top priority. He instructed officials to carry out relief, rescue and restoration operations with sensitivity and urgency.
During the inspection, Arya directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Barkot) to strengthen and streamline the transhipment arrangements and make them safer and more efficient. He also instructed officials to install safety measures, including ropes and solar lights, at vulnerable points along the alternative pedestrian route to ensure safe movement of commuters.
The DM also inspected the Yamuna River channelisation work being carried out by the Irrigation Department and directed officials to expedite the process to ensure smooth flow of water. He further instructed that debris obstructing the river’s flow in the Garhgad area be removed immediately by intensifying clearance operations.
The Irrigation Department was directed to deploy additional machinery for channelisation work to maintain normal river flow and minimise potential risks.
Arya reiterated that the district administration is closely monitoring the situation and that relief measures, safety arrangements and restoration of traffic connectivity in the affected area are being carried out on priority.