Government machinery directed to remain in 24×7 alert mode
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
At least 132 motor roads were reported to be blocked in the State on Thursday due to landslides and other rain-related factors. With some of the rivers also flowing above the warning level, chief secretary Anand Bardhan has directed officials to remain in an alert mode 24×7.
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) at least 132 roads were blocked in the State on Thursday evening. In Uttarkashi district, the Rishikesh-Yamunotri national highway 134 was blocked by landslide debris near Durbil. In the Chamoli district, the Karnprayag-Tharali-Gwaldam national highway 109K was blocked by debris near Amsaud. The Rishikesh-Kedarnath national highway 107 was blocked by Tilwada and Sandar by flooding and debris. The authorities sent pilgrims and travellers back to safe locations. Continued rain was affecting restoration works here and in other locations, official sources said.
Meanwhile, the water in the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers in Rudraprayag district was reported to be above the warning level. According to the SEOC, Chamoli has the maximum number of blocked roads at 24 followed by 18 in Pithoragarh, 17 in Pauri, 16 in Tehri, 15 in Uttarkashi, 11 in Bageshwar, 10 in Dehradun, nine in Nainital, seven in Rudraprayag and five in Almora with all roads reported to be open in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar districts.
To monitor the conditions resulting from consistent rain, Bardhan held a meeting with Disaster Management and Rehabilitation secretary Vinod Kumar Suman and other officials at the SEOC, directing officials to remain in a 24×7 alert mode. The SEOC was also instructed to maintain constant coordination with all districts. Bardhan also talked to various district magistrates on the phone to seek information about the condition in their districts. Stating that priority should be accorded to reopening blocked roads, he reiterated that adequate machinery should be available in landslide prone and vulnerable areas. He directed all the DMs to conduct regular field visits especially in vulnerable areas while regularly monitoring the rescue and relief arrangements.
Stressing on prioritising the safety and convenience of Char Dham Yatra pilgrims, the chief secretary said that the pilgrimage should be conducted considering the weather conditions. Travellers should be stopped at safe places and provided necessary facilities in case of heavy rain or the road getting blocked.He said that the water level of rivers should be monitored round the clock and those living in riverside areas should be alerted consistently. They should be shifted to safe locations on time in case of danger. Those living in downstream areas should be informed in advance before water is released from dams and barrages. Bordering States should also be alerted on time if required to minimise the possible risk, Bardhan said.
