DEHRADUN, UTTARAKHAND: Heavy rainfall has triggered a landslide on the Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway near Karnaprayag, leaving the route blocked due to falling debris, officials confirmed on Saturday, March 1.
Reports indicate that multiple sections of the highway, including Animath and Pagal Nala in the Jyotirmath Kotwali region, are covered in debris. Authorities are actively working to clear the road and restore traffic flow.
The highway was first closed on Friday morning following a major avalanche in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district. Several construction workers were trapped under thick snow when the avalanche struck a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp near Mana village in Badrinath.
An avalanche hit Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district near Mana village on Friday, February 28, 2025, trapping 57 workers from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). So far, 16 workers have been rescued, while 41 remain trapped under the snow. The BRO is responsible for building roads in remote areas and works closely with the Indian Armed Forces
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is closely monitoring the rescue and clearance efforts from his residence. He is in constant contact with officials at the site to ensure swift action.
So far, 33 BRO workers have been successfully rescued, according to State Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman. He also clarified that while 57 workers were initially reported at the site, two were on leave, leaving 55 workers present when the avalanche hit. Rescue operations are still ongoing to reach the remaining 22 trapped workers.
The government of Uttarakhand has issued helpline numbers for help:
Mobile: 8218867005, 9058441404
Telephone: 0135 2664315
Toll-Free: 1070
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to CM Dhami and assured full support in the evacuation efforts. "Our priority is to safely rescue everyone affected by the incident," he said.
Rescue operations are continuing as teams work tirelessly to reopen the highway and bring everyone to safety.