A temporary bridge in Uttarakhand’s Devgad collapsed on Friday, leaving at least two pilgrims washed away and several others stranded. The incident occurred approximately 8 to 9 kilometers ahead of Gangotri on the Gomukh footpath. According to ANI, at least 30 to 40 pilgrims have been left stranded due to the collapse. Reports suggest that a sudden increase in water flow in a river at Devgad caused the bridge to give way.
Following the incident, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) promptly reached the site and initiated rescue efforts. They successfully rescued 16 pilgrims. IANS reported that a glacier approaching near Chirbasa on the Gangotri-Gomukh trek triggered the collapse of an alternative bridge. Rescue operations are ongoing.
Uttarakhand has been experiencing heavy rainfall in recent days, leading to various incidents across the state. Last week, several vehicles were swept away in Haridwar after a surge in water levels in the River Ganga. Videos of vehicles floating in the river went viral on social media, prompting authorities to advise tourists and locals against venturing into the river.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand between July 5 and 7. A red alert for heavy rain has been issued for Nainital, Bageshwar, Champawat, Almora, Pithoragarh, and Udham Singh Nagar districts. Dehradun, Haridwar, Tehri, and Pauri districts are under an orange alert for heavy rain, while Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Rudraprayag districts have a yellow alert.
On Thursday, 10 youths were rescued from an island near Robbers Cave in Dehradun. The SDRF reported that they were safely brought to shore by crossing the river with great difficulty, using ropes to navigate the strong currents.
Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced that the state administration has begun preparations for the Kanwar Yatra. “The preparations for the Kanwar Yatra have begun. We will welcome them all and make good arrangements for them,” said Dhami.
