Heavy monsoon rains continue to batter Uttarakhand, triggering landslides and rockfalls that have severely disrupted travel on the Gangotri and Yamunotri National Highways. Authorities have also opened the gates of the Asan Barrage in Dehradun after a sharp rise in the water level of the Asan River, prompting flood precautions in downstream areas.
According to the Uttarkashi district administration, the Gangotri National Highway has been blocked near Dharasu Nalu Pani due to debris and road damage caused by landslides. Meanwhile, the Yamunotri National Highway remains closed near Silai Bend in the Durbil area, where continuous rockfall from surrounding hills has made travel unsafe. The Rishikesh–Yamunotri Highway (NH-134) has also been shut near Silaiband in Syanachatti because of fresh landslides and accumulated debris.
National Highway officials and disaster response teams have been deployed to clear the affected stretches. Heavy machinery is being used to remove rocks and debris, but intermittent rainfall and fresh landslides are slowing restoration efforts. Officials have urged pilgrims and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel until the roads are declared safe.
The situation has also prompted authorities in Dehradun to release excess water from the Asan Barrage after the Asan River witnessed a significant increase in discharge. Residents living in low-lying areas downstream have been advised to remain alert and stay away from riverbanks as water levels may rise further. Local administrations are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any flood-related emergencies.
The fresh disruptions come just days after monsoon-related landslides had already affected the Char Dham pilgrimage routes. Although restoration work had resumed in many places, the latest spell of rain has once again exposed the fragile Himalayan terrain, leading to repeated road closures and travel disruptions.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast continued rainfall over several parts of Uttarakhand, raising the possibility of more landslides and flash floods in vulnerable regions. Disaster management authorities have advised residents, pilgrims, and tourists to follow official weather updates, avoid travelling through landslide-prone areas, and cooperate with local officials until conditions improve.
