Water level of the Ganga had crossed the danger mark in both Rishikesh and neighbouring Haridwar on August 14 when torrential rains pounded various parts of the state including the hill districts of Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Uttarkashi and Pauri.
Owing to a massive landslide and boulder falls, over 308 roads were blocked in Uttarakhand on Thursday. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Dehradun Centre, the rainfall activity in the state is likely subside in the next four days before it re-escalates after Sunday.
In neighbouring Himachal Pradesh, the most severely affected state, at least 72 people lost their lives in incidents related to heavy rainfall over the past three days.
Owing to the soil erosion beyond its abutments by the Ganga, the famous Ram Jhula suspension bridge was closed for two-wheelers on Thursday.
According to the Muni ki Reti police station SHO Ritesh Shah, initially, the bridge was closed for all in the morning but after an on-the-spot spot examination conducted by PWD officials it was decided to close it for two-wheelers only.
The decision was taken for safety reasons as allowing two-wheelers to pass through the bridge could have been risky, he said.
Moreover, adding to the distress, the water level of the Ganga had surpassed the danger mark in both Rishikesh and neighbouring Haridwar on August 14.
The flooding of the Ganga has caused soil erosion along the banks of the river under the bridge beyond its abutments, he said.
Built in 1985, the Ram Jhula bridge is 220 metres long and two metres wide. It runs parallel to the iconic British-era bridge Lakshman Jhula.
The dependence of people in general and pilgrims on the bridge is very high.
Though it is meant for pedestrians, it is also used by two-wheelers.