Uttarakhand Rains Intensify as Garhwal Rivers Rise, Char Dham Yatra Continues

Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swaroop said several disaster-related incidents have been reported during the monsoon and urged people to remain cautious.

“We are experiencing heavy monsoon rains. Since this is the disaster-prone monsoon season, various incidents are occurring, and water levels in all major rivers have risen significantly,” Commissioner Swaroop told ANI.

He said authorities have been instructed to make regular public announcements and advise people not to go near riverbanks or engage in risky activities such as taking selfies near rivers.

“Everyone is being made aware of this,” Swaroop said, adding that efforts are also underway to evacuate people from vulnerable houses and shift them to safer locations.

River levels are also high in Dehradun, particularly in the Tamsa, Tons and Asan rivers. Swaroop said water is flowing in the Rispana River as well due to heavy rainfall in the mountains. In some places, daily rainfall exceeding 200 mm has been recorded, he said.

The Commissioner also advised Char Dham pilgrims to remain cautious and follow the administration’s safety guidelines as rainfall continues.

Despite the adverse weather conditions, Swaroop said the Char Dham Yatra is proceeding safely. District Magistrates have the discretion to temporarily halt the pilgrimage, often for around 12 hours, whenever conditions warrant such a decision.

“The Char Dham Yatra is running smoothly; around 8,000 to 9,000 pilgrims are visiting daily, and the total number of pilgrims so far exceeds last August’s figures by 500,000,” he said.

Swaroop said the second phase of the Yatra is scheduled to begin after September 15, when a large number of pilgrims are expected to arrive.

He said rainfall can damage roads and other structures, requiring reconstruction, and urged pilgrims to follow administrative instructions if their movement is temporarily stopped.

“We have established ‘holding areas’ at various locations where pilgrims can stay if necessary; facilities such as toilets and water supply have been provided there,” he said.

The Commissioner advised pilgrims to remain in designated safe areas and continue their journey only after permission is granted by the administration.