Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], July 31: Uttarakhand is currently experiencing no major losses due to heavy rainfall, with district officials on high alert and necessary precautions firmly in place, stated Vinod Kumar Suman, Uttarakhand Secretary of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, on Thursday.
While acknowledging minor disruptions at a few locations, Suman confirmed that the vital Chardham Yatra route remains fully operational.
“There is no major loss anywhere at present, except in one or two places. Our Chardham Yatra route is fully open,” Suman assured. He detailed that temporary obstructions have occurred, particularly between Sonprayag and Gaurikund in Munkutia, due to debris. However, rapid response teams with machines and manpower are working diligently to clear these blockages daily as soon as the rain subsides. Similar temporary closures are being managed on roads in Siro Bagad and one each on the Gangotri Highway and in Pithoragarh, with efforts underway to reopen all by day’s end.
Suman further added that approximately 35 Public Works Department (PWD) roads and some rural routes had been temporarily closed, but the majority have since been reopened, ensuring smooth traffic movement across the state.
“Rain continues, and when alerts are received from the IMD, we immediately forward them to the districts from the Meteorological Department, along with instructions on necessary precautions,” he explained, highlighting the proactive approach to disaster management.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds, for Nainital, Haridwar, Dehradun, and several other major areas of Uttarakhand through at least August 1. In anticipation of a low- to medium-level flood risk, the State Emergency Operations Centre in Dehradun had already advised District Magistrates (DMs) of all concerned districts to take preventive measures on Monday.
Despite the ongoing monsoon, authorities emphasize that the situation is under control, and pilgrim routes remain safe and accessible with continuous monitoring and quick response mechanisms in place.