Rain triggers landslides, traffic halted on Rishikesh-Badrinath highway

Tribune News service

Dehradun, May 21

The traffic on the Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway- was disrupted at Sumerpur, 4 km ahead of Rudraprayag, following landslides caused by heavy rain today. According to the State Disaster Mitigation Department, the landslides disrupted traffic on the road as rain continued in the day. Personnel of the Border Roads Organisation and the state PWD continued with their efforts to restore road connectivity. Some small vehicles were also caught in the landslides.

Officials of the state government said the Rishikesh-Kedarnath road had been open for small vehicles while the Gaurikund-Kedarnath route for pedestrians was also opened.

Officials hoped that the landslide on the Badrinath highway near Sumerpur would be cleared soon.

A large number of pilgrims are visiting Char Dham temples of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri after the opening of portals of these revered Hindu temples this month.