By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 18 Aug: Continuous rainfall since last night has caused widespread disruption in the district, with an average of 47.65 millimetres recorded by this morning. Seven rural motor roads remain blocked, while the district emergency operations centre has received 50 complaints of waterlogging. Authorities have activated departments to clear the affected routes and are keeping close watch on river levels.
According to the State Weather Centre of IMD in Dehradun, the rain is likely to continue across the state till 21 August. Around 97 roads are currently blocked due to rain and landslides, with efforts underway to reopen them. Pilgrims, tourists and local residents have been advised to plan journeys according to the weather forecast and avoid going near rivers and streams.
The Tamasa river near the historic Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple turned ferocious this morning, rising suddenly and disrupting access to the Mata Vaishno Devi cave yoga temple, Santoshi Mata temple and the route connecting the Army area for nearly an hour. The sudden surge created panic among people nearby, though the water level receded later and movement resumed. Temple founder Yogacharya Bipin Joshi stated that devotees had to wait until the situation normalised.
According to the disaster report issued this morning, traffic on national highways, state highways and major district roads remains smooth, but seven rural routes are blocked. Since 15 June, 602 roads have been reopened, while seven are still closed. The administration has confirmed that work is underway to restore connectivity.
River levels are being closely monitored, with the Ganga flowing at 339.48 metres against the warning mark of 339.50 metres, the Yamuna at 454.76 metres below its warning level of 455.37 metres, and the Tons at 644.40 metres against the warning mark of 644.60 metres in Dehradun.
Since 15 June, 38 complaints of tree falls have been received in Dehradun district, of which 37 have been resolved, while one remains under process. Out of 23 complaints related to drinking water, 22 have been addressed. Fifty complaints of waterlogging have been registered, and 23 dilapidated buildings have been identified in the municipal area, with teams monitoring three highly sensitive sites.
A tree fell on a moving car near Ballupur along the Chakrata Road this afternoon. No other new incidents of floods, landslides or human‑wildlife conflict have been reported. The district emergency operations centre has directed departments to maintain constant coordination in view of the prevailing weather conditions.
