In a significant disruption to travel and pilgrimage routes in Uttarakhand, major landslides have blocked the Gangotri and Yamunotri highways, key arteries leading to two of the region’s most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites. The incidents, which occurred late Thursday night due to heavy monsoon rains, have caused substantial road damage and halted traffic movement on both highways as clearance operations are underway.
Traffic authorities and disaster response teams have been deployed promptly to clear the debris and assess the damage, working in coordination with local administration and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Officials have indicated that while the clearance work is progressing steadily, reopening the routes could take several days depending on weather conditions and the extent of landslide impact.
“The safety of pilgrims and commuters is our top priority. We are deploying all available resources to ensure the roads are cleared and safe for travel as soon as possible,” said a senior official from Uttarakhand Public Works Department.
Gangotri and Yamunotri hold immense religious significance as the sources of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, attracting thousands of devotees each year. The blockage comes at the height of the pilgrimage season, intensifying concerns over access and emergency response capabilities.
Monsoon rains have been unusually heavy in the region this season, exacerbating the already vulnerable terrain. Meteorological experts warn that additional rainfall in the coming days may complicate relief efforts.
The state government has advised travelers to avoid unnecessary travel to the affected areas and has arranged alternate accommodation options for stranded pilgrims in nearby towns. Authorities are also coordinating with transportation departments to provide timely updates and ensure smooth traffic management on alternative routes.
This disruption underscores the broader challenges faced by hill states like Uttarakhand in managing natural disasters during monsoons. Infrastructure resilience and disaster preparedness remain key priorities as climate variability continues to impact the Himalayan region.
Residents and visitors are urged to stay alert for official updates and follow safety advisories issued by local authorities.
