At least 1 killed, 8 injured in major rockslide incident in India's Uttarakhand

At least one person was killed and eight others were injured on Friday (May 31) after being hit by large stones tumbling down the hill slopes on the Gangotri National Highway in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, the officials said.

The sudden cascade of rocks and boulders descended near National Highway 108 (NH 108) near Dabrani, Gangotri, catching commuters by surprise. Many vehicles found themselves trapped under the weight of the debris on the Char Dham Yatra route.

As per officials, six of the injured were taken to the Primary Health Centre, Harshil, while the two others injured were admitted to District Hospital, Uttarkashi. The deceased has not yet been identified, the officials said.

Taking to X, Uttarakhand Police posted that after receiving information about the incident, state police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams reached the spot, and a rescue operation was underway.

Vehicles have been stopped for security reasons and will be released after the route is completely safe, the police said.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also took to X, expressing his sorrow for the plight of those injured, while informing that relief and rescue operations were being carried out rapidly at the spot where the rockfall occurred.

The chief ministerwrote,“Relief and rescue work is being done at a fast pace at the spot and the injured have been sent to the nearest health centre after giving them first aid. The concerned officials have been directed to provide proper treatment to the injured and to speed up relief and rescue operations.”

Earlier on May 27, ANI reported that the Uttarakhand Government had implemented comprehensive measures, including traffic and transport enhancements and managing frequent landslides in the region to ensure a safer and more convenient Char Dham Yatra.

The top priority was disaster management of frequent landslides in the region. JCB machines and other heavy equipment were put on standby 24/7, and a dedicated team was placed to monitor high-risk areas to respond rapidly and minimise disruptions.

CM InspectsChardham Arrangements

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Rishikesh and conducted a thorough site inspection of the Chardham arrangements.

After the inspection, he held a meeting with the officials and directed them to further strengthen the essentialfacilities including drinking water, food, sanitation and health arrangements.

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Dhami said, "Our government is working on the ground for a smooth, safe, and convenient Chardham Yatra for the devotees coming to Uttarakhand from different areas."

The chief minister also took stock of all the facilities in the resting place, health centre and travel control room built for the convenience of the devotees. During this, he directed the concerned officials to work in mutual coordination for a systematic journey.

The Char Dham Yatra, which began on May 10 this year, encompasses the sacred Hindu pilgrimage circuit of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.

(With inputs from agencies)