Rains pound Uttarakhand, schools to remain shut

Heavy rain continued to disrupt normal life across Uttarakhand on Saturday, with schools up to Class 12 closed in Dehradun, Pauri, Tehri and Haridwar as the weather department warned of more intense rainfall in the coming days.

An official said the decision to shut schools was taken as a precautionary measure, keeping the safety of students and teachers in mind. The Regional Meteorological Centre has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of the hill state till September 3.

Authorities have increased surveillance in several vulnerable districts, including Dehradun, Nainital, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Pauri, Champawat and Udham Singh Nagar. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have also been placed on high alert to respond to emergencies.

The prolonged spell of rain has already affected road connectivity in the hill areas. Landslides have been reported along the Badrinath, Kedarnath and Yamunotri highways, while trekkers have been advised to remain in safe locations until conditions improve.

More than 200 link roads in the hill regions have also been rendered unusable or restricted for traffic after being damaged by continuous rainfall, creating difficulties for residents in remote areas.

The rising level of the Ganga has added to concerns in Haridwar. The river was flowing close to its danger mark, prompting district authorities to advise residents of Haripur Kalan, Gaziwali and Kangdi to move to safer locations.

Water has already entered low-lying parts of Haripur Kalan. The Ganga was recorded at 292.80 metres late on Friday after additional water was released from the Srinagar barrage, while the danger level at the location is 294 metres.

"We are keeping a close watch," Haridwar District Disaster Management Officer Meera Kaintura said.

The situation is being closely monitored as Uttarakhand remains vulnerable to landslides, flash floods and road blockages during prolonged periods of heavy monsoon rainfall. Officials have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas and follow local advisories.

This is the first time during the current monsoon season that the Ganga has risen so close to the danger mark in Haridwar, adding to the concerns as more heavy rain is forecast.