The onset of the monsoon in Uttarakhand has led to heavy rains in Pithoragarh, Chamoli as well as Rishikesh. The administration in these districts is on alert for a possible flood situation. A newly constructed section of road on Rishikesh-Gangotri National Highway, NH-94 in Chamba was damaged due to rain.
The highway has been closed due to road damage. Mahavir Negi, former Pradhan, Majyur village said, “The all-weather road has caved in at many places in the very first rain. Widening work is going on under the all-weather project on Rishikesh-Gangotri National Highway 94, Chamba city to connect Majyur and Guldi in Chamba. A 440 meters long tunnel was constructed under the tunnel, but the road connecting the tunnel could not withstand even the first rain and several meters of the road near Guldi village has caved in, due to which the road connecting the tunnel has been closed for the time being.”
Several low lying areas in Srinagar, Pauri Garhwal submerged in water after the water level rose in Alaknanda river due to heavy rainfall
With the water levels expected to increase, the cities near the banks of the rivers, Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, have been alerted. Several pictures and videos were being released by the residents that showed horrific images of landslides.
Parallels can be drawn with what happened last year when the monsoon arrived in 2020. At least 11 people lost their lives in the chaotic scenes which unfolded last year.monsoon arrived in 2020. At least 11 people lost their lives in the chaotic scenes which unfolded last year.
The current situation is not just limited to Alaknanda and Bhagirathi. meanwhile, the Kumaon district of Almora has also suffered due to the heavy rains. More than half of a dozen roads were damaged due to which the connectivity with the rural areas was cut off. Power cuts are another issue residents have to deal with due to the inclement weather.
Traffic on many routes like Ghat-Pithoragarh, Dharchula Lipulekh, Kota Malone, Madkot Bona, Madkot Darma, Rayabjeta Bangapani-Jarajibali has been seriously affected.
The incessant rains are not just a nuisance to the local people but also to tourists who were visiting the state for vacations.