20 August,2026 11:52 AM IST | Rishikesh | mid-day online correspondent
People ride a tractor through an overflowing causeway as the water level of the swollen Bin river rises following heavy incessant rainfall, in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, Wednesday, Aug 19, 2026.(PICS/PTI)
Continuous rainfall across the hilly areas of Uttarakhand's Garhwal division has disrupted normal life, with authorities stepping up preparedness as water levels in several major rivers continue to rise.
Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swaroop said multiple rain- and disaster-related incidents have been reported during the ongoing monsoon season and urged residents to exercise caution as the weather remains unsettled.
Speaking to ANI, Swaroop said the region was experiencing heavy monsoon rainfall and that water levels in major rivers had increased significantly.
With the area being vulnerable to weather-related disasters during the monsoon, authorities have directed officials to maintain close monitoring of the situation and keep people informed about potential risks.
Officials have also been instructed to make regular public announcements advising residents and visitors to stay away from riverbanks.
People have particularly been warned against undertaking risky activities near rivers, including attempting to take selfies or approaching swollen water channels.
The administration is also working to identify houses and other locations considered vulnerable because of the continuing rainfall.
Swaroop said efforts were underway to evacuate people from vulnerable houses and move them to safer locations wherever required.
The situation is also being closely monitored in Dehradun, where water levels have risen in rivers including the Tamsa, Tons and Asan.
The Rispana River has also begun carrying water following heavy rainfall in the mountainous areas, the commissioner said.
In some locations, daily rainfall has crossed 200 mm, highlighting the intensity of the ongoing weather conditions.
The administration has also advised pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra to remain alert and follow safety instructions issued by local authorities.
Despite the difficult weather conditions, Swaroop said the pilgrimage was continuing safely.
According to him, around 8,000 to 9,000 pilgrims are visiting the Char Dham sites each day, while the cumulative number of pilgrims so far has already exceeded last August's figure by around five lakh.
The administration, however, has the authority to temporarily suspend the pilgrimage whenever weather or road conditions pose a safety risk.
Swaroop said District Magistrates can take decisions to temporarily stop the movement of pilgrims, with such halts often lasting around 12 hours, depending on the circumstances.
He said rainfall can damage roads, bridges and other infrastructure, making temporary restrictions necessary in some areas.
The administration has urged pilgrims not to attempt to continue their journey when movement has been stopped and to follow instructions from local officials.
To accommodate pilgrims during temporary restrictions, the administration has established holding areas at several locations.
These facilities have been equipped with basic amenities, including toilets and drinking water, allowing pilgrims to remain in safer locations until travel conditions improve.
Swaroop advised pilgrims to stay in these designated areas whenever instructed and resume their journey only after receiving clearance from the administration.
The commissioner also said the second phase of the Char Dham Yatra is expected to begin after September 15, when a significant increase in the number of pilgrims is anticipated.
With the monsoon still active, authorities are expected to continue monitoring rainfall, river levels, roads and other vulnerable infrastructure before allowing pilgrim movement.
The administration has urged both residents and pilgrims to avoid unnecessary risks and rely on official advisories during periods of heavy rainfall.
As rainfall continues across the Garhwal region, officials are maintaining surveillance of rivers, vulnerable settlements and road networks.
Authorities have also stressed the importance of timely communication and evacuation wherever necessary to prevent loss of life.
The administration has appealed to residents, tourists and pilgrims to cooperate with officials, avoid riverbanks and other dangerous locations, and remain in designated safe areas until conditions improve.
(With inputs from IANS)
