- By Abhirupa Kundu
- Mon, 14 Aug 2023 03:59 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The water level of the Ganga River flowing through Uttarakhand's Rishikesh witnessed an alarming rise after heavy rainfall lashed the state in the past 24 hours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a red alert predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall in six districts of Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital and Champawat.
An ANI video shows alarming gushes of water hitting the Lord Shiva statue near the Parmarth Niketan Ashram in the holy town. The lower part of the stone sculpture can be seen submerged due to the high water level.
#WATCH | Rise in water level of river Ganga in Rishikesh due to heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/ghdSjc6FVs
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) August 14, 2023
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a meeting with the top brass at his residence in Dehradun to review the dangerous situation caused due to the incessant rainfalls in several districts of the state.
Dhami directed the officials to take stock of the situation and ensure the safety of citizens, adding that all possible facilities should be provided to them.
Appealing to the people, the Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Kumar urged them not to venture into hilly regions.
"The weather department issued a red alert. Since August 12, there was heavy rainfall, especially in the Garhwal area. At all the places the roads are closed and the police and SDRF team are on alert," Kumar said, reported news agency ANI.
He added that Rishikesh has been facing huge waterlogging in several pockets. Meanwhile, the majority of the rivers in the state have been overflowing due to the downpour.
The areas of Rudraprayag, Srinagar, and Devprayag, Mandakini witnessed heavy rainfall with the rivers in the region surging beyond hazardous thresholds, the disaster control room said.
Several points of the Badrinath National Highway were blocked due to landslide debris.
