Rudraprayag/Chamoli: Torrential rains have once again disrupted life in Uttarakhand, with landslides blocking the Kedarnath-Badrinath National Highway at multiple points.
Today, on Thursday morning, a major landslide occurred at Sirobgad in Rudraprayag district, while another blocked the highway near Nandprayag in Chamoli. The incidents have halted traffic and affected the Char Dham Yatra, prompting swift action from authorities.
A massive landslide brought down boulders and debris
In Sirobgad, located between Rudraprayag and Srinagar, a massive landslide brought down boulders and debris onto the Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway. The Rudraprayag police confirmed the road closure on social media, even posting in Garhwali: “Sirobgad Maa Batu Band Cha” (The road is closed at Sirobgad). Restoration teams have been deployed to clear the debris, but continuous rainfall is hampering progress.
🛑 सिरोबगड़ मां बाटु बन्द चा।
🛑 सिरोबगड़ के पास फिलहाल मार्ग बाधित चल रहा है। pic.twitter.com/yAVdTtRChs— Rudraprayag Police Uttarakhand (@RudraprayagPol) July 10, 2025
Landslide near Nandprayag temporarily blocked the Badrinath National Highway
Meanwhile, in Chamoli district, a landslide near Nandprayag temporarily blocked the Badrinath National Highway, cutting off access to key destinations like Karnaprayag, Chamoli, Gopeshwar, Joshimath, and Badrinath. Vehicles were stranded on both sides of the blockage. However, Chamoli Police later confirmed that the road had been cleared and traffic had resumed.
नन्दप्रयाग के पास अवरुद्ध सड़क मार्ग खुल गया है। pic.twitter.com/ywMPngP3T5
— Chamoli Police Uttarakhand (@chamolipolice) July 10, 2025
Earlier, a similar incident occurred near Kameda in Chamoli, but the debris was quickly removed. These repeated disruptions highlight the vulnerability of Uttarakhand’s hill roads during the monsoon season.
IMD issued a yellow alert for heavy rains
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall in several districts, including Rudraprayag and Chamoli, over the next few days. Authorities have urged residents and pilgrims to avoid non-essential travel and stay updated with weather advisories.
A commuter stranded during a previous landslide on the Rudraprayag-Badrinath route, shared his experience: “We were going to Rishikesh when the landslide happened. We’ve been stuck here for over four hours. Stones and debris have blocked the road, but cranes have arrived to clear the path”.
Restoration work is being carried out on a war footing
Officials from the Chamoli and Rudraprayag administrations have assured that restoration work is being carried out on a war footing. “Our teams are working round the clock to reopen the highways. Safety of travelers is our top priority,” said Anuj Kumar, Circle Officer of Srinagar, Pauri Garhwal.
As monsoon rains continue to lash the region, the administration is closely monitoring landslide-prone zones and coordinating with disaster response teams. Travelers are advised to carry emergency supplies and check real-time updates from police and weather departments before setting out.
