Torrential rains in the Madmaheshwar Valley have led to a significant rise in the water level of the Morkhanda River, submerging a temporary wooden bridge at Camp Banatoli. The Kedarnath Wildlife Division reports that approximately 100 pilgrims and local traders were trapped in Madmaheshwar Dham due to this natural calamity.

Rescue operations are in full swing, with 51 individuals successfully airlifted to safety so far. The rescued include 27 pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh, 8 from Delhi, 2 from Andhra Pradesh, 1 each from Telangana and Gujarat, and 12 local residents and other passengers from various parts of Uttarakhand. Efforts to rescue the remaining stranded individuals are ongoing and expected to conclude soon.

Historical context reveals that on August 14, 2023, the original iron girder bridge, constructed in the 1970s over the Morkhanda River, was also washed away by strong river currents. This prompted the administration to rescue over 500 pilgrims from Madmaheshwar Dham via helicopter, relocating them to Ransi village. Subsequently, the Public Works Department (PWD) had established a temporary wooden bridge to restore movement across the river.

However, the recent spike in the Morkhanda River`s water level resulted in the washing away of this wooden bridge, halting all movement for pilgrims and villagers. Pradhan Gaundhar Bir Singh Panwar noted that villagers had requested the installation of a trolley system, a demand yet to be met. PWD Executive Engineer Manoj Kumar Bhatt confirmed the bridge`s destruction and assured that efforts are underway to establish alternative routes to Madmaheshwar Dham.

Additional District Magistrate Shyam Singh Rana stated that immediate action was taken upon receiving news of the incident. Teams from the SDRF, DDRF, police, and district administration, directed by the District Magistrate, were dispatched to the scene. The District Magistrate is personally overseeing the rescue operations. An alternative helipad has been constructed at Nanuchatti with local assistance to facilitate swift rescues. All stranded devotees are reported safe, and repair work on the damaged bridge has commenced. Helpline numbers have been issued by the district administration for families seeking to contact stranded pilgrims.

Himalayan Live Bureau.

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