Flooded Yamuna washes away rest house, footbridge

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, July 17

A footbridge and a rest house were swept away in the gushing waters of the Yamuna in Yamunotri (Uttarkashi). 

Due to overnight rain, the Yamuna has been in spate and flowing above the normal levels. Two shops located near the Yamunotri dham were also damaged. According to reports, a footbridge has been completely washed away as also a 20 m path near the temple. As a result, Yamunotri remained completely cut-off. 

Two national highways that were blocked in the morning have been thrown open to traffic. An alternative route has been started for the pilgrims, who are travelling on foot. In the absence of the bridge, PWD officials have been summoned and told to make alternative arrangements. 

Several residents residing near the Yamuna in Janki Chatti have been shifted by the police and the district administration to safer places.

In Chamoli district, where cloudburst had occurred in two places yesterday, the authorities have opened several village roads that were blocked. However, around 17 village roads are still blocked. The 17 affected families have been distributed ex gratia of Rs 64,600. 

Relief camps have been set up at Rajkiya Inter College for the families at Durma Mokh village and at Kundi. However, the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway is open to traffic.

Several rivers in the state are flowing above the normal mark. As a result, the residents, who are residing near the river, have been asked to move to safer places.