Uttarakhand: Nandprayag-Kothiyalsain road opened for small vehicular movement in Chamoli

The route has been cleared off the debris that fell on the road following the rains and has been opened for the public.

Earlier in the day, according to Chamoli police, the Badrinath National Highway was blocked at Lambagad, Nandprayag, Sonala and Barrage Kunj. The diverted route between Sakot-Nandprayag was also blocked.

The Chamoli police on Friday took to its social media handle on X to inform the public about road blocks after the incessant rainfall.

"Landslides are occurring at many places on the Badrinath National Highway due to the heavy rainfall in the district, as a result of which the roads are getting blocked repeatedly. Travellers are being stopped at safe places by Chamoli Police for safety," posted the district police on X.

Earlier, the police had said on social media that the highway was blocked at Kameda (Gauchar), Nandprayag, and Chhinka, disrupting traffic in the area.

"In the district, the Badrinath National Highway is blocked at Kameda (Gauchar), Nandprayag (Chamoli), and Chhinka (Chamoli)," the Chamoli Police shared in a post on X.

Later, they updated that "The blocked road at Chhinka has been opened for traffic." The Chamoli police also added that the "blocked Badrinath National Highway near Kameda in the district has been opened for traffic."

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday instructed State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams and district magistrates to remain on high alert due to heavy rainfall affecting various parts of Uttarakhand. He had also advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel during that time.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for several southern districts of Uttarakhand and an orange alert for other parts. According to the IMD, a depression over northwest Uttar Pradesh was expected to weaken into a low-pressure area within 12 hours.

This weather system, centred near Bareilly, will cause scattered clouds and 'intense convection' in southern Uttarakhand and parts of Uttar Pradesh. Northern Uttarakhand, eastern Rajasthan, and northwest Madhya Pradesh will also experience 'moderate to intense convection' with rainfall and gusty winds predicted.

The IMD reported that the depression is being tracked by radars in Delhi and Lucknow, and has wind speeds of 20 to 30 knots. The system is expected to weaken as it moves northeast.

In Nainital district, continuous rain has closed roads, including the Haldwani-Sitarganj road, due to water overflow in the Shernala area. Travellers have been advised to take alternative routes and avoid travel until conditions improve.

Meanwhile, the holy River Ganges is flowing close to the danger mark in full spate in wake of incessant rains in the hills of the state, as per authorities.

The river is flowing at 293.15 centimetres in Bhimgoda barrage of the city and the danger level is stated to be at 294 centimetres, and presently the river is just short of 85 centimetres from the danger mark. (ANI)