Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand): In a swift response to a devastating cloudburst near Silai Band on the Barkot-Yamunotri road, officials in Uttarkashi have completed repairs on a major road washout even as search efforts continue for seven missing workers, officials said on Sunday.
Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed that the damaged stretch before Silai Band has been smoothed and restored, while repair work on other affected sections continues.
“The road has been made smooth where the washout occurred. Additional restoration work is ongoing,” Arya told media.
The 33 KV power line has also been restored, with ongoing repairs on the 11 KV line. Meanwhile, rescue teams from NDRF, SDRF, Police, and Revenue Department are continuing search operations for the seven missing individuals.
🚨 Casualties and Missing Persons
The cloudburst, which struck four kilometres ahead of Paligad on the Yamunotri National Highway, led to the collapse of an under-construction hotel, where several workers were residing.
Two bodies were recovered from the Yamuna River:
- Kewal Bisht (43) from Karmamohani, Rajapur District, Nepal
- Duje Lal (55) from Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh
Seven individuals are still missing:
- Anveer Dhami (40) – Bajura, Nepal
- Sir Kateel Dhami (32) – Nepal
- Roshan Chaudhary (37) – Bardiya, Nepal
- Kullu Tharu (60) – Bardiya, Nepal
- Jaichand alias Bobby (38) – Dehradun
- Prince (20) – Dehradun
- Chhotu (22) – Dehradun
📍 Chief Minister Reviews Situation
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a high-level review at the State Disaster Control Room, stating that intensive relief and rescue operations are being undertaken.
“I am in constant contact with the authorities. Teams including SDRF and NDRF are at the site,” the CM wrote in a post on X.
🛑 Char Dham Yatra Temporarily Halted
Amid heavy rainfall and the cloudburst incident, Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey announced the suspension of Char Dham Yatra for 24 hours.
“Pilgrims have been instructed to stop at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Sonprayag and Vikasnagar,” Pandey stated.
🛣️ Broader Rainfall Disruption
Continuous downpour over the weekend caused major road blockages, especially on the Badrinath National Highway near Nandprayag and Bhanerpani, vital for Kedarnath pilgrims.
Chamoli Police posted on X:
“The Badrinath National Highway is blocked near Nandprayag and Bhanerpani. Work is underway to open the road.”
As rescue operations continue in the Silai Band area, the administration remains on high alert amid forecasts of more rainfall. Authorities urge citizens and pilgrims to avoid unnecessary travel and adhere to official advisories.