Chamoli: A tragic landslide in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Wednesday claimed the life of a man from Bihar and caused significant damage to a key motor bridge connecting Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers.
Moreover, this incident has disrupted access to several villages and raised concerns about the upcoming pilgrimage season. The Hemkund Sahib is currently closed for the winter season and the portals of the shrine will open on 25 May.
This incident killed one man from Bihar
This accident has taken a toll on one life too. The victim, Joginder Sharma, 34, was passing by on a motorcycle when the landslide occurred at around 10 am on the banks of the Alaknanda River. The falling debris struck Sharma, resulting in his death. He was a resident of West Champaran district in Bihar.
Landslide severely damaged the connecting bridge
The landslide severely damaged the bridge, which was an essential link for motor connectivity between Govindghat and Pulna village. This bridge also served as a crucial route for pilgrims heading to the Sikh shrine of Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers National Park. The destruction of the bridge has left dozens of vehicles stranded on the other side of the river, causing significant inconvenience to locals and tourists alike.
Chamoli DM informed that PWD has initiated temporary bridge
Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari confirmed that the Public Works Department (PWD) has initiated the construction of a temporary bridge to restore connectivity for the affected villagers. “Our priority is to provide essential commodities and other facilities to the people living in the cut-off villages, including Pulna and Bhyundar,” Tiwari said. DM emphasized the urgency of restoring access to the affected residents. “Our priority is to create a pedestrian pathway for those living in the area, ensuring they have access to essential services such as food, healthcare, and communication,” he said. The concerned department is working on constructing a permanent bridge before the pilgrimage season begins.
A team of officials promptly arrived at the scene to assess the damage
The doors of the Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara are scheduled to open on May 25, adding urgency to the efforts to restore the damaged bridge. The landslide has severed the connection between Joshimath and Pulna village, which is home to approximately 200-250 residents. The District Disaster Management Office reported that the falling boulders have completely destroyed the bridge, posing a major challenge for local authorities and the government. A team of officials, including engineers and doctors, promptly arrived at the scene to assess the damage and coordinate response efforts. “We are doing everything we can to restore connectivity and ensure the safety of the local population,” an official stated.
District disaster management officer Nand Kishore Joshi confirmed the administration’s response. “Following the incident in Govindghat, teams from SDRF, the Tehsil administration, the health department, and the Public Works Department have all arrived at the site. The administration’s priority is to provide essential goods and other facilities to the residents of Pulna village,” he stated.
