Jagran Correspondent, Pithoragarh: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route was closed on Saturday morning after a large rock cracked and fell onto the road about two kilometres from Garbhadhar. Due to the road closure, the fourth Kailash Mansarovar Yatra group is stranded in Dharchula.
Additionally, heavy vehicle movement has been suspended on the Thadigad Bridge near Sobla on the Tawaghat-Sobla-Tidang road. These disruptions have cut off the road connectivity to Darma and Vyas valleys near the China border, leaving passengers and vehicles stranded on both affected roads.
Rockslide Near Garbhadhar Halts Kailash Mansarovar Yatra; Pilgrims Stranded
According to a report by Jagran.com, a large rock cracked and fell onto the road about two kilometres away from Garbhadhar, closing the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route. As a result, the fourth Kailash Mansarovar Yatra group, which was scheduled to depart Dharchula for Gunji on Saturday morning, was held back.
According to the Disaster Management Department, the group remains in Dharchula waiting for the route to reopen. Additionally, vehicles travelling toward Dharchula from Gunji and other villages are stranded, causing significant inconvenience to local commuters.
Upon receiving information of the road closure near Garbhandhar, Officer Commanding (OC) Manik Mahajan of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) 65 RCC arrived at the site. Two large machines have been deployed from the Bundi and Pangla sides to clear the debris.
Despite ongoing efforts, the route remained closed as of Saturday evening. Due to this, the fourth Kailash Mansarovar Yatra group will now depart for Gunji on Sunday.
Thadigad Bridge Damaged; 20 Villages In Vyas And Darma Valleys Cut Off
On Saturday evening, authorities received reports of damage to the Thadigad Bridge near Sobla on the Tawaghat-Sobla-Tidang road. As a precautionary measure, heavy vehicle movement on the bridge has been restricted.
With both routes closed, road connectivity to seven villages in the Vyas Valley and 13 villages in the Darma Valley near the China border has been cut off.
ALSO READ: Weather Update: Heavy Rain Likely In Bengal, Uttarakhand; Check IMD Forecast For Delhi-NCR, UP
Uttarakhand Weather Update
The monsoon is about to gain momentum once again in Uttarakhand with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for heavy rainfall in several districts of the state. Several areas are also likely to witness thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds over the coming days.
Residents have been advised to stay alert, as spells of heavy rain could affect many parts of the state. The IMD has also warned of the risk of lightning strikes and urged people to take necessary precautions during adverse weather conditions.
For today, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall at isolated places in Dehradun, Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, Nainital, Almora, Pithoragarh, Udham Singh Nagar, Bageshwar, and Champawat.
(With Inputs From Jagran.com)