(NTI, Uttarkashi): Late last night in Uttarkashi, boulders fell intermittently from Varunavat Mountain, causing panic among families in the Gofiyara area, who fled their homes in fear. At the same time, torrential rain in the region has led to the overflowing of streams and rivers, exacerbating the situation in Gofiyara, a surge in one of the streams buried several two-wheelers parked along the road under debris. In response to the situation, District Magistrate Dr. Mehraban Singh Bisht has ordered relocating those affected by the landslides to safer areas. Superintendent of Police Arpan Yaduvanshi also visited the site and urged residents to stay vigilant.
The heavy rains have led to the overflow of multiple streams and rivers from Gofiyara to Palla Gyanasu within the city. In Gofiyara, debris from the stream surge buried vehicles, which were later recovered using a JCB. Additionally, the downpour has caused the Paduli stream, as well as the Gyansu and Maina rivers, to overflow, spreading debris across roads. The Gangotri Highway, from the bus stand to Gyansu, has seen water accumulation in various spots. Although the rain subsided during the night, providing some relief, boulders began falling from Varunavat Mountain soon after.
These falling boulders have mainly impacted Bhattwadi Road near the Masjid Mohalla area, prompting many frightened families in Gofiyara to evacuate to the safer Jal Nigam Road, where they waited for the stones to stop falling. According to Pratap Singh Rawat, a local resident, a loud noise resembling a landslide was heard, which heightened the fears of the community. Some families have sought refuge with relatives and friends. District Disaster Management Officer Devendra Patwal mentioned that some residents in the Gofiyara area would be relocated to safer places as a precautionary measure.
District Magistrate Dr. Mehraban Singh Bisht was stationed at the Emergency Operations Center, overseeing the situation. Following his instructions, teams from the SDRF and the administration were deployed in the Gofiyara area. Due to the ongoing danger of falling stones from the hill above the Gofiyara Jal Sansthan, the District Magistrate has directed the concerned officials and employees to relocate affected residents to safe locations and to take all necessary precautions. It is worth recalling that in 2003, a massive landslide on Varunavat Mountain destroyed several multi-story hotels, a disaster that still haunts the memories of local residents.
