Uttarakhand: Rainfall wreaks havoc in the mountains, a part of Haldwani Gaula bridge breaks, traffic stopped, route diverted

Due to the rains in Kumaon division for the last 48 hours, the rivers and streams are overflowing. The irrigation department has released about 78000 cusecs of water from Gaula Barrage located in Kathgodam. Due to which, due to heavy water in the Gaula river, a part of the bridge built over the Gaula river connecting Haldwani to Gaulapar and the mountains got washed away. Due to which, the Gaula bridge connecting Gaulapar, Sitarganj, Tanakpur and Pilibhit apart from the mountains has come under threat.

The side part (Pusta) of the Gaula bridge has broken and fallen into the river. In such a situation, the traffic has been completely closed. The bridge is being inspected by NHAI and administration officials. Due to the breakdown of the approach part of the bridge, vehicles going to the mountains are now being sent to the mountains via Kathgodam and Kaladhungi. Police administration has been deployed on the bridge in view of security. Apart from this, the officials of the National Highway Department are busy preparing to repair the damaged part of the bridge on the spot. It is estimated that it may take a month for NHAI to repair the damaged part.

It is being told that due to the disaster in the year 2021, the approach part of the bridge was damaged. It took several months for the National Highways Department to repair it, in such a situation, once again a part of the bridge has been damaged. After this, questions are also being raised on the National Highways Department. A large amount of water is coming into the river. Due to which the river is still damaging the road connecting the city apart from the bridge. Apart from this, the Gaula river is also continuously eroding towards the railway line. Due to which the railway line and the international stadium are also in danger.

Haldwani Police Officer Nitin Lohani said that the bridge has been closed in view of security. Vehicles going to the mountains are being sent via Kathgodam and Kaladhungi Road. Vehicles going to Sitarganj are being sent via Lalkuan.