Landslides block highway to Gangotri

Landslides triggered by heavy rains blocked the Rishikesh-Gangotri national highway in Uttarkashi today, leaving hundreds of pilgrims stranded on both sides.

The landslides struck the NH-108 at Nalupani area, officials said in Dehradun.

The personnel of the state police and Border Road Organisation have been pressed into service to clear the debris and open the road for vehicular traffic, they said.

Uttarkashi has been receiving heavy rains for the past few days. A devotee was washed away in the swollen Bhagirathi river on the way to Gaumukh from Gangotri when a temporary bridge collapsed due to heavy rains three days ago.