A cloudburst in Baligarh, along the Barkot–Yamunotri road in Uttarkashi district, caused significant damage to an under-construction hotel site on Sunday, officials confirmed.
According to Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya, around eight to nine workers present at the site have gone missing following the incident. Search and rescue operations are currently underway.
Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the local police have been deployed to the area to assist in rescue efforts.
Char Dham Yatra Suspended for 24 Hours
Due to continuous heavy rainfall, the Char Dham Yatra has been suspended for the next 24 hours. Pilgrims who have reached Rishikesh are being held there, while those who have travelled further are being stopped at safe locations, officials said.
Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed that the Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in several districts of Uttarakhand.
Highway Blocked, Pilgrimage Travel Disrupted
In a separate incident, the Badrinath–Rishikesh highway was blocked at Sirobgad on Saturday after debris fell from nearby slopes due to heavy rainfall across parts of Uttarakhand. The blockage has temporarily halted passenger movement on this important route.
Pilgrims heading to Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Hemkund Sahib have been advised to stay at safe locations until the roads are cleared. Authorities have deployed JCB machines to remove the debris and restore traffic flow as soon as possible.
CM Dhami Urges Public to Stay Cautious
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has urged residents and travellers to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel due to the forecast of heavy rain in the region.
In a post shared on X, CM Dhami said, “The weather department has forecast the possibility of heavy rainfall in the state's hilly and some plain areas within the next 24 hours. It is requested that everyone remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow the guidelines issued by the administration.”
The Chief Minister also addressed candidates appearing for the PCS examination scheduled for Sunday, advising them to leave early and stay updated on the weather.
“In view of the PCS examination being held tomorrow, I especially appeal to the candidates to depart for their examination centres well in advance, keeping the weather conditions in mind. Your safety and the examination are both important to us. The state government is closely monitoring the situation and providing all necessary assistance to the local administration.”
Authorities have asked the public to keep a close watch on weather updates and cooperate with officials to ensure everyone’s safety.
Inputs from agencies
According to Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya, around eight to nine workers present at the site have gone missing following the incident. Search and rescue operations are currently underway.
Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the local police have been deployed to the area to assist in rescue efforts.
#WATCH | Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand | 8-9 workers staying at an under-construction hotel site went missing after the construction site was damaged due to a cloud burst in Silai Band on Barkot-Yamunotri Marg. Yamunotri Marg has also been affected: Uttarkashi DM Prashant Arya
— ANI (@ANI) June 29, 2025
Rescue… pic.twitter.com/k6FiyZCdCa
Char Dham Yatra Suspended for 24 Hours
Due to continuous heavy rainfall, the Char Dham Yatra has been suspended for the next 24 hours. Pilgrims who have reached Rishikesh are being held there, while those who have travelled further are being stopped at safe locations, officials said.
Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed that the Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in several districts of Uttarakhand.
Highway Blocked, Pilgrimage Travel Disrupted
In a separate incident, the Badrinath–Rishikesh highway was blocked at Sirobgad on Saturday after debris fell from nearby slopes due to heavy rainfall across parts of Uttarakhand. The blockage has temporarily halted passenger movement on this important route.
Pilgrims heading to Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Hemkund Sahib have been advised to stay at safe locations until the roads are cleared. Authorities have deployed JCB machines to remove the debris and restore traffic flow as soon as possible.
CM Dhami Urges Public to Stay Cautious
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has urged residents and travellers to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel due to the forecast of heavy rain in the region.
In a post shared on X, CM Dhami said, “The weather department has forecast the possibility of heavy rainfall in the state's hilly and some plain areas within the next 24 hours. It is requested that everyone remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow the guidelines issued by the administration.”
The Chief Minister also addressed candidates appearing for the PCS examination scheduled for Sunday, advising them to leave early and stay updated on the weather.
“In view of the PCS examination being held tomorrow, I especially appeal to the candidates to depart for their examination centres well in advance, keeping the weather conditions in mind. Your safety and the examination are both important to us. The state government is closely monitoring the situation and providing all necessary assistance to the local administration.”
Authorities have asked the public to keep a close watch on weather updates and cooperate with officials to ensure everyone’s safety.
Inputs from agencies
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