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Dehradun: The monsoon session of the Uttarakhand Vidhan Sabha is set to begin on August 19 in Gairsain, the state’s summer capital. But this time, the session is going to face a double challenge—continuous heavy rain and the recent disaster in Dharali village of Uttarkashi district.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for heavy rain across the state till August 22. This has raised concerns for both the Assembly Secretariat and the government, as the session is scheduled to run until the same date. The risk of landslides, blocked roads, and disrupted travel is high, making it difficult for MLAs, officials, and support staff to reach the venue safely.
CM Dhami reached Gairsain today
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has already reached Gairsain to oversee preparations. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Subodh Uniyal assured that the government is fully prepared to conduct the session successfully. “The government is capable of dealing with every challenge,” he said.
Preparations for the session have been completed by the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat. Teams of officers and employees from the State Secretariat began their journey to Gairsain on Sunday and Monday. One team has already reached, while another is on the way.
Badrinath highway is blocked at several places
However, the journey to Gairsain is proving difficult. The Badrinath Highway, a key route, is blocked at several places. At Kaudiyala, the road has been closed for over two days, and efforts are underway to reopen it. Other stretches like Kameda and Sirobagadh are also in poor condition.
The road from Karnaprayag to Gairsain is facing repeated landslides at many places. Clearing these landslides is taking hours, and if rain continues, more blockages are expected. This could delay or prevent the arrival of MLAs and government staff.
Rescue and relief operations are still underway in Dharali
The situation is further complicated by the ongoing disaster response in Dharali, where flash floods caused massive destruction. Rescue and relief operations are still underway, and many officials are involved in managing the crisis. Balancing disaster management with the demands of the Assembly session is a major challenge for the administration.
Despite the difficulties, the government is determined to hold the session in Gairsain. Officials say that conducting the session in the summer capital is a constitutional obligation and a symbol of commitment to regional development.
Basic amenities have been reviewed
Security arrangements, electricity, water supply, and medical facilities have been reviewed and strengthened. The Assembly will also operate under the e-Neva system, allowing digital access to proceedings and documents. As the session begins, all eyes are on how the government handles this double challenge.
