In a tragic incident on Wednesday morning, a suspension bridge over the Alaknanda River in Govindghat, Chamoli, collapsed due to a landslide. The accident claimed the life of a 34-year-old carpenter named Joginder Sharma. The bridge served as a crucial link for devotees traveling to Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers, and its destruction has severed the connection. With the Hemkund Sahib Yatra scheduled to begin on May 25, the administration now faces the urgent task of rebuilding the bridge.
Landslide Causes Bridge Collapse
The incident occurred at approximately 10:15 AM when large boulders fell from a hillside, crashing onto the suspension bridge. The Pulna-side section of the bridge was swept into the river, while the Govindghat-side structure was left dangling. Fortunately, no vehicles were on the bridge at the time of the collapse, preventing further casualties.
Chamoli District Magistrate Dr. Sandeep Tiwari confirmed that the Public Works Department (PWD) has been directed to construct an alternative route promptly. PWD teams are inspecting the site and have commenced work on a temporary bridge. Plans are also being drawn up for a permanent 110-meter span Bailey bridge.
Concerns Over Hemkund Sahib Yatra
The Hemkund Sahib Yatra attracts thousands of devotees every year. Pilgrims travel via Govindghat to reach Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers. With the bridge now gone, travelers will have to trek from Govindghat to Pulna on foot.
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Govindghat Gurdwara’s Senior Manager, Sardar Seva Singh, highlighted that the bridge, initially built in 2015, has collapsed once again, severely affecting travel plans. He has urged the administration to expedite the construction of a new bridge to ensure pilgrims and locals face no further inconvenience.
The administration aims to complete a temporary bridge by May 20, allowing smooth access for the yatra. District officials have assured that reconstruction efforts are progressing swiftly, with hopes to resolve the issue before the pilgrimage begins.
