Life affected due to heavy rains in Uttarakhand, Badrinath Highway closed at many places; School holiday, etc. Kailash Yatra postponed

Dehradun, 6 July. The torrential rains that have continued since Monday night in Uttarakhand have severely affected life. Incessant rainfall has led to landslides at several places, blocking several major roads including the Badrinath National Highway. At the same time, in view of the severe weather conditions, the administration has issued orders to keep schools closed in the affected districts. According to officials, the Badrinath National Highway has been blocked due to debris and continuous stone falling at many places including Bhanarpani, Gulabkoti and Birhi-Nijmula. In view of security, vehicular movement on these routes has been temporarily stopped, while the work of clearing the roads is continuing on a war footing.

Due to continuous heavy rains in the upper areas of Garhwal region in Rudraprayag district, the water level of Alaknanda river has increased rapidly. Due to this, Namami Ghat was completely submerged. According to the district administration, on Monday the water level of Alaknanda river was recorded at 622.90 meters above sea level, which is continuously increasing. In view of the Orange Alert issued by the Meteorological Department, holiday has been declared for students of classes 1 to 12 in all government, non-government and recognized private schools of Kumaon division.

The district administration said that machines and relief teams have been deployed to open the blocked roads as soon as possible. People have also been appealed to avoid unnecessary travel and take special caution around rivers, drains and landslide-prone areas. Here, in view of the continuous bad weather in the hilly districts, the Pithoragarh district administration has temporarily postponed the Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra till further orders. Keeping in mind the safety of pilgrims and vehicles, the process of issuing Inner Line Permits has also been suspended with immediate effect. The administration has appealed to people to follow the advice of the Meteorological Department and travel only when necessary.