Heavy rain disrupts life in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal, rivers swell as administration steps up alert

Continuous rainfall across the hilly areas of Uttarakhandrsquos Garhwal division has disrupted normal life with authorities stepping up preparedness as water levels in several major rivers continue to riseGarhwal Commissioner Anand Swaroop said multiple rain and disasterrelated incidents have been reported during the ongoing monsoon season and urged residents to exercise caution as the weather remains unsettledAuthorities issue caution amid rising river levelsSpeaking to ANI Swaroop said the region was experiencing heavy monsoon rainfall and that water levels in major rivers had increased significantlyWith the area being vulnerable to weatherrelated disasters during the monsoon authorities have directed officials to maintain close monitoring of the situation and keep people informed about potential risksOfficials have also been instructed to make regular public announcements advising residents and visitors to stay away from riverbanksPeople have particularly been warned against undertaking risky activities near rivers including attempting to take selfies or approaching swollen water channelsVulnerable residents being shifted to safer locationsThe administration is also working to identify houses and other locations considered vulnerable because of the continuing rainfallSwaroop said efforts were underway to evacuate people from vulnerable houses and move them to safer locations wherever requiredThe situation is also being closely monitored in Dehradun where water levels have risen in rivers including the Tamsa Tons and AsanThe Rispana River has also begun carrying water following heavy rainfall in the mountainous areas the commissioner saidIn some locations daily rainfall has crossed 200 mm highlighting the intensity of the ongoing weather conditionsChar Dham pilgrims urged to remain cautiousThe administration has also advised pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra to remain alert and follow safety instructions issued by local authoritiesDespite the difficult weather conditions Swaroop said the pilgrimage was continuing safelyAccording to him around 8000 to 9000 pilgrims are visiting the Char Dham sites each day while the cumulative number of pilgrims so far has already exceeded last Augustrsquos figure by around five lakhThe administration however has the authority to temporarily suspend the pilgrimage whenever weather or road conditions pose a safety riskYatra may be halted depending on conditionsSwaroop said District Magistrates can take decisions to temporarily stop the movement of pilgrims with such halts often lasting around 12 hours depending on the circumstancesHe said rainfall can damage roads bridges and other infrastructure making temporary restrictions necessary in some areasThe administration has urged pilgrims not to attempt to continue their journey when movement has been stopped and to follow instructions from local officialsHolding areas arranged for pilgrimsTo accommodate pilgrims during temporary restrictions the administration has established holding areas at several locationsThese facilities have been equipped with basic amenities including toilets and drinking water allowing pilgrims to remain in safer locations until travel conditions improveSwaroop advised pilgrims to stay in these designated areas whenever instructed and resume their journey only after receiving clearance from the administrationSecond phase of Char Dham Yatra aheadThe commissioner also said the second phase of the Char Dham Yatra is expected to begin after September 15 when a significant increase in the number of pilgrims is anticipatedWith the monsoon still active authorities are expected to continue monitoring rainfall river levels roads and other vulnerable infrastructure before allowing pilgrim movementThe administration has urged both residents and pilgrims to avoid unnecessary risks and rely on official advisories during periods of heavy rainfallAs rainfall continues across the Garhwal region officials are maintaining surveillance of rivers vulnerable settlements and road networksAuthorities have also stressed the importance of timely communication and evacuation wherever necessary to prevent loss of lifeThe administration has appealed to residents tourists and pilgrims to cooperate with officials avoid riverbanks and other dangerous locations and remain in designated safe areas until conditions improveWith inputs from IANS