Mudslide forces closure of route to Gangotri

Tribune News Service

Uttarkashi, July 13

Falling boulders and mudslide at Gangnani resulted in closure of Char Dham Yatra on the Gangotri route today, leaving pilgrims stranded for several hours in Uttarkashi district.

Incessant rain that began around noon added to the woes of the Border Road Organisation (BRO), which found it difficult to clear the debris from the roads due to the inclement weather.

The BRO officials said the heavy machines were working round the clock to remove the boul-ders and reopen the blocked route for traffic as soon as possible.

Pilgrims returning from Gangotri said the falling boulders were making it difficult for them to commute on the route and the situation was aggravating with each slight drizzle.

At present, roads were open in Nalupaani,

Sukki Top etc on Gangotri highway but the pilgrims returning towards Uttarkashi said the possibility of more boulders falling, resulting in an eventual mudslide, could not be ruled out.

With monsoon gaining momentum, the Char Dham Yatra remains shrouded in clouds of uncertainty.