Heavy monsoon rains have severely disrupted normal life across Uttarakhand, forcing authorities to temporarily suspend the Char Dham Yatra for two days as landslides, highway closures, and flooding affected several districts. According to official data, Maldevta in Dehradun recorded the state’s highest rainfall of 233 mm in the past 24 hours, while intense rainfall was also reported in Dehradun, Mussoorie, Jolly Grant, Ukhimath, and nearby regions.
The Garhwal Commissioner announced that the Char Dham Yatra has been suspended for today and tomorrow due to multiple landslides along the pilgrimage routes and forecasts of continued heavy rainfall. Officials said the pilgrimage will resume only after weather conditions improve and the routes are declared safe.
The impact of the downpour has been widespread. Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Yamunotri highways have been blocked at several locations following landslides, while overflowing rivers and streams have caused flooding, road damage, and rescue operations in multiple districts. As a precautionary measure, schools have also been closed in four districts.
In Dehradun, a newly constructed bridge near Nanda Ki Chowki, reportedly built at a cost of around ₹16 crore, suffered major damage after its approach road caved in during the first spell of the monsoon. A large crater formed on the road surface, forcing authorities to halt traffic and raising questions over the quality of construction. Waterlogging near Rangers Ground also disrupted vehicular movement.
The situation has worsened in the Yamunotri region, where nearly 30 metres of the pedestrian route near Ram Mandir collapsed after the Yamuna River’s water level rose sharply. Meanwhile, two Kanwar pilgrims were injured after large boulders fell onto the Yamunotri Highway near Pali Gad. They were provided initial treatment before being referred to a higher medical centre.
Elsewhere in the state, nine rural roads in Tehri have been blocked, while overflowing seasonal streams in the Doiwala-Bhaniyawala area caused waterlogging on highways and in residential colonies.
In Chamoli district, 21 rural roads remain blocked, and the Badrinath Highway has been closed near Kanchan Ganga Nala due to debris. In Dehradun, landslides and mudslides affected the Sauda Saroli and Maldevta areas, while a retaining wall reportedly collapsed in Sahastradhara. Authorities also reported five to six incidents of trees falling across the district.
Two houses have suffered partial damage, and waterlogging has been reported in the Salawala area. While the Kimadi Road has been reopened, the rural road leading to Sauda Saroli village remains damaged. District Magistrate Ashish Chauhan visited the affected locations to assess the situation and review ongoing restoration work.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rainfall across most districts, with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely in some areas. The administration has advised residents and pilgrims to remain alert and strictly follow official advisories until weather conditions improve.
