Dehradun, July 30, 2026 — Major rivers across Uttarakhand, including the Ganga, swelled sharply after incessant rainfall on Wednesday, prompting authorities to keep the Char Dham Yatra suspended and mobilize restoration crews against widespread landslide damage. State emergency officials confirmed that 109 roads remain closed across the hill state, with clearance operations underway.
109 Roads Shut, Key Highway Blocked Near Nagthat
The State Emergency Operation Centre reported that 109 roads are currently closed statewide as crews work to clear debris and restore connectivity. Among the worst-hit stretches is the Tyuni–Mussoorie–Maletha National Highway, blocked by a landslide near Nagthat.
In the Yamunotri sector, the pedestrian route from Jankichatti to Yamunotri sustained damage near Ram Mandir after the river swelled beyond its banks. Authorities have since arranged alternative routes to keep pilgrim and local movement possible in the area.
Rivers Nearing Danger Marks
Several of the state’s major rivers are flowing dangerously close to — or above — their warning levels:
- Ganga (Haridwar): 292.90 metres — just 0.10 metres below the warning level and 1.10 metres below the danger mark
- Alaknanda (Rudraprayag): 626.18 metres, above its 626-metre warning mark
- Mandakini (Rudraprayag): more than half a metre above its 625-metre warning level
- Kali river (Pithoragarh): 888.90 metres — 0.10 metres below its 889-metre warning level
With both the Alaknanda and Mandakini having crossed warning thresholds in Rudraprayag, authorities have urged residents in low-lying areas to relocate to safer ground as a precaution, and have advised the public to stay away from riverbanks entirely.
Char Dham Yatra Suspension Continues
The Char Dham Yatra remains suspended amid the continuing rain and landslide activity. Pilgrimage operations were first halted by the administration on July 28 and 29, and the suspension has held into this week as conditions have not sufficiently improved.
Orange Alert Issued for Thursday
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Thursday, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in the Bageshwar, Nainital, Champawat, and Pithoragarh districts.
In response, officials have directed all concerned district administrations to remain on high alert and ensure precautionary measures are fully in place ahead of the forecast weather warning. Restoration work on blocked roads continues on a priority basis even as fresh rainfall threatens to further disrupt the pilgrimage corridor.
