Heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand disrupted movement on the Kedarnath Yatra route and triggered a sharp rise in the Sharda River’s water level, prompting authorities to restore blocked roads, issue weather advisories and step up disaster preparedness measures.
In Rudraprayag district, Superintendent of Police Niharika Tomar said the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an orange alert for the Kedarnath pilgrimage. Overnight rainfall caused road blockages at several locations, including Sirobagad, Banswara and Mungatiya.
Speaking to ANI, Tomar said police, district administration and disaster management teams responded immediately after receiving reports of the blockages and restored the affected stretches, allowing traffic to resume.
“We are regularly issuing advisories and guidelines, as prescribed by the Meteorological Department and the government, to pilgrims and travellers regarding weather and health conditions. In view of the rainfall, travellers are being advised to remain at safe locations and are being allowed to proceed only after the weather improves and roads are reopened,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Irrigation Department issued a red alert for the Banbasa Sharda Barrage in Champawat district, located on the India-Nepal border, after continuous heavy rainfall in the Kumaon region led to a significant rise in the Sharda River’s water level.
As a precaution, authorities restricted movement in the border area and suspended vehicular traffic across the Sharda Barrage.
Assistant Engineer Prashant Kumar said more than one lakh cusecs of water had been released from the barrage following heavy rainfall in the hills.
“According to the Meteorological Department, a four-day red alert for rainfall in the hilly regions is in effect, increasing the possibility of a further rise in water levels. Downstream districts are informed immediately whenever water is released. The administration and all engineers are on high alert and fully prepared to deal with any potential disaster,” Kumar told ANI.
Authorities have urged residents, pilgrims and travellers to strictly follow official advisories and avoid vulnerable areas until weather conditions improve.
(With ANI inputs)
