Continuous rains have left the Gangotri National Highway blocked, cutting off a crucial route to the Himalayan shrine and stranding travellers. Heavy landslides and debris flow from swollen rivers have damaged multiple stretches of the road, severely hampering relief and repair operations in Uttarkashi district.
Heavy Rains Swell Rivers and Streams
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand’s hilly districts, and the impact was felt strongly along the Gangotri route. Overflowing streams and rivers have triggered landslides at several points, including areas near Dharali and Harsil, where temporary lakes had formed following flash floods last week.
Officials reported that the swollen Bhagirathi river has eroded road embankments, while debris has buried parts of the highway. This has left pilgrims, tourists, and locals either stranded en route or unable to begin their journeys to the Gangotri temple.
Relief and Repair Operations
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and state Public Works Department teams have been deployed to clear the debris and restore traffic. However, recurring rainfall has slowed down their work, raising concerns about the time required for reopening the highway. Authorities have advised people to avoid unnecessary travel towards the upper Himalayan regions until the weather improves.
Meanwhile, relief teams are also providing assistance to locals in nearby villages, many of whom remain cut off from supplies due to road closures. Medical aid and essentials are being transported through smaller routes and on foot in some cases.
Wider Impact of Monsoon Disruptions
The closure of the Gangotri highway is part of a broader pattern of disruption across Uttarakhand, where persistent rains have caused road blockages, damaged bridges, and heightened the risk of flash floods. The situation has once again highlighted the state’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, particularly in ecologically sensitive mountain zones.
As rains continue, authorities are prioritising safety and relief over reopening timelines. While efforts are ongoing to restore the Gangotri highway, officials caution that road travel in Uttarakhand’s high-altitude areas will remain risky until the monsoon subsides.
