Dehradun: Amid intensified monsoon activity in Uttarakhand, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy to very heavy rainfall alert for several districts of the state from July 19 to 23. In view of the weather warning, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan and Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman to closely monitor the situation and instructed all concerned departments to remain on alert.
The Chief Minister said that wherever situations such as heavy rainfall, landslides, or road blockages arise, the administration should immediately initiate relief and rescue operations. He directed all disaster management teams to remain fully prepared and ensure timely assistance reaches affected people.
CM Dhami instructed officials to restore essential services such as roads, electricity, drinking water, and communication on a priority basis. He also directed continuous monitoring of the Char Dham Yatra routes and other major roads.
The Chief Minister appealed to residents, tourists, and pilgrims to follow the advisories issued by the Meteorological Department and district administration. He urged people to avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions and stay away from landslide-prone areas, overflowing rivers, and streams. He also appealed to the public to immediately contact the local administration in case of any emergency.
Rain Alert from July 19 to 23
According to the IMD, an Orange Alert has been issued for July 19 and 20 in the districts of Dehradun, Nainital, Champawat, Udham Singh Nagar, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Haridwar, Pauri, and Bageshwar due to the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall. On July 21, heavy rainfall is also expected in Dehradun and Bageshwar, while from July 22 to 23, heavy rainfall is likely to continue in the hill districts, including Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar.
Administration on Alert Along the Kedarnath Yatra Route
Despite the rainfall, the district administration remains fully alert to ensure the safe conduct of the Kedarnath Yatra. SDRF, NDRF, DDRF, YMF, and other disaster management teams have been deployed at sensitive locations. District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar said that due to continuous rainfall, incidents of boulders and debris falling have been reported at some locations, but the route is being cleared immediately to maintain smooth movement.
At present, the Kedarnath trekking route remains open for pedestrians in both directions, while a one-way arrangement has been implemented for the movement of horses and mules to ensure that the pilgrimage remains safe and well organised.
