Gangotri Park Shuts Gomukh Route Amid Heavy Rains, Stirs Controversy

Gangotri Park administration has restricted access to Gomukh due to road damage from continuous rain. Notices have been placed at key points, affecting many Kanwariyas during the Kanwar Yatra. While 38 people were rescued from flooding, traders expressed dissatisfaction over the ban and delayed repairs.

Amid continuous rain causing severe damage to roads, the Gangotri Park administration has banned access to Gomukh. Notices have been posted at Gangotri Dham and Kankhu Barrier, informing visitors of the disruptions in the Gomukh Marg. This move severely impacts devotees, especially during the Kanwar Yatra, when Kanwariyas visit Gomukh to collect Ganga water.

Fierce rains over the past few days resulted in the flooding of Devgad, Chidbasa, and Bhojgaddi drains in the Gangotri National Park, sweeping away a culvert and two Kanwariyas from Delhi. The State Disaster Response Force managed to rescue 38 stranded individuals.

Traders from Gangotri Dham have voiced their frustration over the ban. Traders Satendra Semwal and Deepak Rana argued that culverts had been damaged by rain before but the route was never completely blocked during the Kanwar Yatra. They accused the park administration of deliberately delaying repairs. Deputy Director RN Pandey countered the allegations, noting that while labourers were on-site in Chidbassa, construction work can't proceed until the water levels recede.

(With inputs from agencies.)