Continuous rainfall in Uttarkashi has caused the Yamuna river’s water level to rise dangerously near Syana Chatti, sparking panic among locals. Residents rushed to evacuate homes and hotels, moving belongings to safer locations. Despite repeated efforts, irrigation department machines could not reach the mouth of the newly forming lake for the third consecutive day. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the disaster-hit region to assess the situation on ground.
Heavy rainfall on Tuesday intensified the river’s flow, while debris accumulation suddenly raised water levels in the evening, forcing many, including hotel owner Baldev Singh Rana, to vacate their properties. Nearly 400 meters of the affected stretch has damaged both government and private assets. Though attempts are underway to deploy three Poklen machines at Kupara Khad, access challenges are delaying operations.
Authorities are working on channelizing the Yamuna near Syana Chatti, while machines are carving pathways to reach the lake’s mouth. Meanwhile, traffic on the Gangotri Highway at Naluun was restored after two days, offering some relief to locals. However, the Yamunotri Highway remains closed for the fifth straight day near Jangal Chatti and Narad Chatti due to heavy landslides, posing serious challenges for the National Highway department.
