DEHRADUN: Recurring rain-triggered landslides kept Badrinath national highway blocked at Sirobagad in Rudraprayag on Friday as well.
“Boulders and debris have been continuously coming down from the hill at Sirobagad since Thursday morning. Traffic movement has been suspended in view of the safety of people. Meanwhile, earth-moving machines have been deployed to clear debris,” according to the district emergency operation centre (DEOC).
The district administration has diverted vehicular traffic to alternative Khakra-Daijimanda-Chatikhal-Dugripanth and Khakra-Kadai-Khendakhal-Khirsu motor routes. After hours of restoration work, the blockade at Kachra rivulet near Lambagad was cleared on Friday morning and nearly 800 pilgrims were able to proceed towards Badrinath. However, more than 300 devotees returned. In the 24 hours till Friday morning, Jakholi recorded the highest of 60 mm rainfall, followed by Pithoragarh (40 mm), Dunda (30 mm), Chakrata (30 mm), Chinyailsaur (20 mm), Berinag (20 mm), Garud (20 mm) and Dhumakot (20 mm).
Bikram Singh, director, regional meteorological centre, said, “Uttarakhand witnessed light-to-moderate rain during the past 24 hours. Southwest monsoon is currently active over Uttarakhand. Intermittent rain spells would continue for the next few days.” He added that rain activity will intensify across the state from July 5.
