Landslides leave three thousand tourists stranded in Uttarkashi

UTTARKASHI - Landslides triggered by flashfloods have left approximately three thousand tourists stranded in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi District.

The tourists from various states were on their way to ‘Char dham yatra’ to the popular pilgrimage of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.

The tourists said that they do not have enough food, drinking water and money left with them.

“We are stuck here for the last four to five days. There is no facility for food and we are in a lot of trouble. We have spent all our money. The train ticket has also been cancelled. We are wondering how will we go back home,” said Ram Swaroop, a tourist.

Government Officials have indicated that they are making arrangements for food.

“In our district, we have made teams for every block, in which we have taken the support of everyone. Along with the revenue staff, we have also included village heads and other well-known local volunteers of NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisation),” said Hem Lata Dodiyal, District Magistrate, Uttarkashi.

“This is because we are worried about the fact that if the road does not open in the next two to three days, then there may be a fear of food shortage. So, we have arranged for that before hand,” she added.

Heavy rains and landslides in the region have damaged the roads severely, disconnecting the routes to nearby cities and towns. By Ashish Goel (ANI)