Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 30 Jun: Amid relentless monsoon rain, the Uttarakhand administration has stepped up preparations to tackle possible floods and waterlogging in the plains.
Mock drills were conducted in Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, Champawat and Nainital districts today to test the readiness of disaster response teams.
In Haridwar, a full-scale mock drill was organised at the Shyampur Ganga ghat on Saturday. During the drill, a scenario was enacted where a young man was shown being swept away by the Ganga’s swift current.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), water police, and medical teams demonstrated their swift action capabilities by ‘rescuing’ him and providing immediate first aid on the spot.
Similar drills were held at Vishnughat and other ghats in Haridwar to assess emergency response in case of sudden flooding. Officials said continuous rainfall in the hills has increased silt and water levels in the Ganga.
To manage this, the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department has limited the discharge from the Bhimgoda Barrage, ensuring that water released towards Har Ki Pauri and other ghats remains safe for ritual bathing.
Despite the warnings, some people are reportedly risking their lives by wading into the river to shoot social media reels, raising fears of accidents. Officials have urged the public to remain vigilant as the Ganga’s water level at Haridwar has reached 293 metres, close to the danger mark.
Meanwhile, landslides and debris flows triggered by the heavy rain have blocked at least 179 roads across the state, severely affecting rural connectivity in hill districts. According to the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA), the Char Dham routes have also seen occasional blockages this week, though efforts are on to keep the main pilgrim routes open.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Garhwal and Kumaon regions over the next 48 hours. District administrations have put rescue teams, medical units and equipment on standby in vulnerable areas.
Authorities have appealed to residents and tourists to stay away from fast-flowing rivers and landslide-prone zones and to follow weather updates and local advice.
