Uttarkashi: With the winter season intensifying in Uttarakhand, it is starting to cause significant challenges for the people. As temperatures plummet in Uttarkashi district, the Bhagirathi River has started freezing in Gangotri, and iron pipes have burst in Harshil, leading to severe water supply disruptions.
Despite the absence of rain and snowfall, the minimum temperature in Gangotri Dham has dropped to between -1 and -10 degrees Celsius. In Harsil valley, daytime temperatures range from 4 to 5 degrees Celsius, but after 4 PM, they plummet to -1 degree, reaching -8 degrees by late night.
Impact of severe cold
The dry cold conditions in the high-altitude areas of Uttarkashi have caused the Bhagirathi River in Gangotri Dham to freeze. This has also led to the cessation of water supply in the shrine and Harshil valley. The local population is facing significant challenges due to the bursting of iron pipes, which have caused immense trouble for the locals. According to the locals, the drastic fall in temperatures has halted the water supply. Efforts are being made to replace the iron pipes with rubber ones to meet the supply needs.
Ice blocks are forming in the Bhagirathi River
The freezing of the Bhagirathi River in Gangotri shrine is evident, with ice and ice blocks forming in the river, resulting in very low water levels. Due to this, locals are in trouble because they rely on melting ice for their water supply.
Snowfall in high peaks of Badrinath shrine increases cold wave in lower areas
Snowfall has been reported on the high peaks of Badrinath Dham, bringing a significant drop in temperatures due to a cold wave affecting the lower areas. The snowfall occurred in the higher reaches, including Hemkund Sahib, the Valley of Flowers, Rudranath, and Lal Mati, as well as the Niti and Mana valleys.
Weather changes in Chamoli district
In the last few days, the weather in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand has changed significantly. Light snowfall was observed in the high-altitude areas in the afternoon. The lower areas, which remained cloudy during the afternoon, are now experiencing severe cold due to the cold wave sweeping through the region. The persistent cold wave has resulted in a dramatic drop in temperatures, affecting the entire Chamoli district. Residents are bracing for the cold as the weather continues to remain harsh.
