In a cautionary directive, the Uttarakhand Weather Department has issued a two-day ban on trekking and construction activity in the upper Himalayan areas of the state, citing forecasts of adverse weather and associated risks.
Our correspondent reports that the prohibition is to take effect immediately and will remain in place for the next 48 hours. The advisory is meant to safeguard residents, trekkers, labourers and officials from possible incidents such as landslides, sudden storms, heavy rain or flash floods.
The ban covers both public trekking routes and private trails, as well as all new construction or repair work in higher altitude zones. It applies especially to areas in Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh and parts of the Garhwal Himalayan belt, where weather is expected to worsen.
Our correspondent adds that authorities emphasised that the decision is a preventive measure in response to satellite data and meteorological predictions indicating unstable skies, heavy precipitation and elevated risk of soil erosion. Local administrations have been asked to enforce the ban strictly, shut down work sites and halt tourist movement in exposed areas.
District officials have been directed to warn local communities, suspend movement in vulnerable zones and coordinate with emergency services. Trekking agencies have been asked to communicate the restriction to tourists, cancel scheduled treks and arrange safe lodging for those already in hill areas.
In Chamoli, where heavy rains are forecast overnight, local authorities have restricted entry to popular trails including Ghangaria, Hemkund and Valley of Flowers until further notice. Construction contractors have been instructed to pause activities in road work, retaining wall construction, slope stabilisation and other Himalayan projects within the ban period.
Officials said that after the two-day interval, the restrictions will be lifted if conditions stabilise. Meteorological teams will continuously monitor weather developments and update local administrations accordingly. Areas with residual risk may remain under partial restrictions.
The directive reflects growing sensitivity to climate and topographic vulnerabilities in Uttarakhand, where monsoon withdrawal is underway but weather patterns remain volatile. In recent years, mountainous construction and trekking operations have faced disruptions and hazards during transitional periods.
As a precaution, residents in affected zones have been urged to avoid risky slopes, stay away from riverbanks and maintain communication during the restricted days. Authorities also warned against attempting shortcuts or unauthorised routes to bypass closures.
For travellers planning Himalayan treks in the coming week, the advisory signals the importance of checking real-time updates and flexibility in route plans. Tour operators are being asked to revise itineraries in coordination with district meteorological teams.
While the ban may cause delays in construction and expedition plans, officials underline that safety is the priority. The temporary closure aims to avert disasters in fragile terrain, reduce human risk and afford agencies time to regroup for safe resumption.
