On March 1, 2025, heavy snowfall and landslide have brought life to a standstill in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Major highways are blocked, leaving hundreds of travelers stranded. Many remote villages are cut off, making it difficult for residents to access food and medical supplies. Continuous rainfall has worsened the situation, triggering multiple landslides and increasing the risk of avalanches. The Rishikesh-Badrinath Highway remains shut due to heavy debris, while several roads in Himachal Pradesh are buried under thick snow. Authorities have deployed rescue teams to clear blocked routes and assist stranded people. Emergency services are on high alert, and officials have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.
Himachal Pradesh: Snowfall Blocks Roads and Highways
Himachal Pradesh witnessed intense snowfall in Kullu, Chamba, and Lahaul-Spiti. As a result, 583 roads, including five national highways, are blocked. The Manali-Leh Highway remains inaccessible, cutting off remote areas. Schools and colleges in affected districts are closed. Officials have also issued avalanche warnings, urging people to avoid travel in high-risk zones.
Uttarakhand: Landslide Halts Traffic on Rishikesh-Badrinath Highway
In Uttarakhand, heavy rainfall has triggered a massive landslide near Karnaprayag, blocking the Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway (NH-7). The worst-hit locations include Animath and Pagal Nala in the Jyotirmath Kotwali region. As a result, traffic movement has come to a complete halt. Pilgrims and travelers heading toward Badrinath have been asked to wait until road clearance operations are completed. Authorities are working round the clock to clear the debris, but continuous rainfall is slowing down the process.
Chamoli Avalanche: Rescue Teams in Action
A devastating avalanche hit Mana village in Chamoli district near Badrinath on February 28, 2025. The snow buried a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp, trapping 55 workers under thick layers of ice.
Rescue teams have pulled out 33 workers alive. However, the search continues for those still missing. Authorities have set up emergency helplines for affected families.
Authorities Urge Caution Amid Ongoing Rescue Efforts
The extreme weather conditions in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have severely affected daily life. Roads remain blocked, and tourism has taken a major hit. The administration has urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until the situation improves. Rescue teams and local authorities are working tirelessly to restore normalcy. However, with unpredictable weather patterns, people are advised to stay updated with official advisories.
Conclusion
The extreme weather conditions in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have disrupted daily life, blocked roads, and affected tourism. Rescue operations are ongoing, but authorities urge residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until the situation improves.
