Uttarakhand

Dehradun: After a brief spell of mild weather, cold has returned to Uttarakhand as rainfall and snowfall swept across the state. The weather is expected to remain dry on Thursday and Friday, but conditions may change again starting Saturday. Active western disturbances have brought significant snowfall to the higher altitudes of the state and rainfall to the plains, resulting in a noticeable drop in temperatures. Earlier in January, dry conditions had led to a slight rise in daytime temperatures, but the recent precipitation has brought much-needed relief from the unseasonal warmth. Rainfall and Snowfall Statistics According to the Meteorological Department, January has recorded 13% more rainfall than the usual average. Bageshwar and Nainital experienced the heaviest showers. Typi...

Mussoorie: In a major move, the Mussoorie Municipal Council has announced that sanitation workers employed under the contract system will now receive the full salary as per government norms. This decision ends years of financial exploitation and ensures equitable pay for all employees. Sunil Sonkar, Mussoorie: Municipal Council Chairperson Meera Saklani clarified in a recent meeting that no worker will be subjected to unfair practices, and all will receive equal wages for equal work. During previous municipal terms, workers were reportedly paid only ₹8,000 per month, while the government-mandated rate stood at ₹500 per day. The failure to implement this order had led to severe financial exploitation of sanitation staff. Starting 1 January, the door-to-door waste collection contrac...

Dehradun: The changing weather in Uttarakhand is causing both scenic beauty and difficulties for residents. In Chamoli district, a severe snowstorm has caused significant damage, blowing away rooftops in villages such as Ghamshali and Kosa in the Niti Valley. Rashmi Khatri, Dehradun: Uttarakhand’s weather has shifted once again, with rainfall beginning Tuesday afternoon and continuing into Wednesday morning. Authorities have issued an orange alert for heavy rain and snowfall in seven districts today. In response, district officials have declared holidays for schools and anganwadi centers in the affected areas. In Dehradun, the weather changed suddenly after Tuesday noon, with strong winds followed by rain, interspersed with brief sunny spells. The cold intensified during morning and ...

Mussoorie: The Queen of Hills, Masoorie, witnessed a sudden change in weather overnight as heavy rain accompanied by hail transformed the town’s streets and open areas into a white wonderland. The unexpected precipitation led to a sharp drop in temperatures, intensifying the winter chill. Sunil Sonkar, Mussoorie: Residents and tourists awoke to find roads and pathways covered in a white sheet of hail, with many initially mistaking it for snowfall. The sudden shift in weather created a breathtaking scenic spectacle, enchanting locals and visitors alike. The cold snap prompted people to seek warmth through bonfires and heavy clothing. Early in the morning, several onlookers captured the rare sight of scattered hail on cameras and smartphones, sharing their photos and videos on social m...

Dehradun: After a long spell of dry weather, nature has finally blessed Uttarakhand with rainfall and snowfall, transforming the state’s high-altitude regions into a winter wonderland. Continuous snowfall over the past two days has not only impacted daily life but also given Kedarnath Dham a divine and ethereal appearance, as if adorned by nature itself. Since the onset of precipitation, Kedarnath has been experiencing heavy snowfall, with temperatures plummeting to a chilling -16°C. Snow accumulation in and around the temple complex has reached up to 3–4 feet. Despite these extremely challenging conditions, personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Rudraprayag Police remain stationed at the shrine, ensuring security with unwavering dedication. Braving severe cold, str...

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: A potentially tragic incident in the Ganga River turned into a story of heroism, thanks to the quick thinking and bravery of local rafting guides. A young man began to drown while bathing in the river, but the timely intervention of trained guides and the application of CPR saved his life. The incident occurred at Yusuf Beach in the Eco-Tourism Zone under the Shivpuri police jurisdiction. The 22-year-old youth, identified as Avinash, was visiting Shivpuri with friends and had stepped into the river when his foot slipped, pulling him into deep, fast-flowing water. Rafting Guides Rush to RescueOn hearing the commotion, Vipin Sharma, a trainer conducting rafting sessions nearby, rushed to the scene. Without wasting a moment, he threw a rope and, with the help of ...

Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026 has been enacted with immediate effect following approval from Governor Lt. Gen. Gurmeet Singh (Retd.). The ordinance introduces significant reforms to strengthen the provisions of the UCC, particularly regarding marriages and live-in relationships. Major Reforms and ProvisionsThe amendments, numbering nearly a dozen, aim to make the UCC more clear, effective, and practical while enhancing administrative efficiency and protecting citizens’ rights. Key provisions include: Misrepresentation of identity at the time of marriage is now a ground for annulment. Strict punitive measures for coercion, fraud, or unlawful acts in marriages and live-in relationships. Registrars are empowered to issue termination cert...

Dehradun: Uttarakhand has decided to restrict entry of non-Hindus into three of its sacred sites—Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Gangotri—while Yamunotri has yet to make a decision on the matter. The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee and Gangotri Temple Committee have reportedly reached a consensus on the issue, with formal approvals expected in upcoming board meetings. CM Dhami Stresses Consultation with StakeholdersChief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized that the management of the Char Dham pilgrimage primarily lies with temple committees, and the government’s role is limited to assistance. He stated that the views of all stakeholders will be considered before finalizing the decisions. Temple Committees Cite Religious and Historical PrecedentsHemant Dwivedi, head of the Badrinat...

Dehradun: The weather in Uttarakhand is changing again after recent rains and snowfall brought relief to the hills. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall and strong winds across the state, including in Dehradun and its surrounding hilly areas, as a new western disturbance becomes active. Snowfall is also expected in the higher reaches of Dehradun. IMD Warnings Across DistrictsThe IMD has cautioned residents in Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri, Tehri, Champawat, Nainital, Almora, and Udham Singh Nagar about the possibility of hailstorms and lightning in some areas today. The changing weather has prompted the district administration in Dehradun to declare a holiday for schools and Anganwadi centers. Heavy rains with thunderstorms and lightning ar...