The Congress has intensified its attack over an alleged “purification” ritual conducted at Uttarakhand’s Haldwani Ramlila Maidan after a public meeting addressed by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, with senior leader Kumari Selja accusing the BJP government of failing to act against those responsible while an FIR was filed against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

The controversy dates back to August 8, when Kharge addressed a Congress rally at the Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani. A “shuddhikaran” havan was subsequently conducted at the venue by members of Shri Ram Sena Dharmarth Seva Nyas. Congress leaders have alleged that the ritual carried caste-related implications because Kharge is a Dalit leader. 

Selja questions action against Rahul Gandhi

Congress general secretary in-charge of Uttarakhand, Kumari Selja, criticised the Uttarakhand government after an FIR was registered against Rahul Gandhi in connection with his remarks on the controversy.

Selja argued that no comparable action had been taken against those who conducted the alleged purification ritual. She described the situation as a question of Dalit dignity and accused the BJP and RSS of promoting an “anti-Dalit and anti-Constitution” mindset. She also questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not intervened in the matter. 

The Congress has maintained that the incident was not merely about a religious ritual but raised concerns about caste discrimination and constitutional equality.

Rahul Gandhi seeks legal action

Rahul Gandhi has also strongly criticised the incident, describing the “shuddhikaran” as another manifestation of untouchability and demanding registration of a case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against those involved.

The Congress leader has argued that the ritual at a venue where Kharge had recently spoken amounted to an insult to the dignity of a senior Dalit political leader.

The FIR against Gandhi has added a new political dimension to the dispute, with the Congress questioning the Uttarakhand government's handling of the original incident.

BJP rejects caste angle

The BJP has rejected the Congress's interpretation of the incident. BJP leaders have said there was no caste-based motive behind the havan and accused the Congress of attempting to give the matter a caste angle.

BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi said the videos related to the incident did not establish a caste connection and accused the Congress of repeatedly using caste-related issues to create divisions in society. (Devdiscourse)

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has also rejected the allegation of caste discrimination and said those who conducted the havan were not BJP office-bearers or workers. (The Times of India)

Organisers cite cleanliness and religious concerns

The organisers of the ritual have separately denied that the ceremony was directed at Kharge or linked to his caste.

Shri Ram Sena Dharmarth Seva Nyas president Girish Chandra Pandey said the ritual was conducted after garbage was found at the venue following the Congress rally. The organisers also alleged that provocative religious slogans had been raised during the event and said the havan was intended to restore the sanctity of the Ramlila ground. 

Members associated with the organising group also rejected the caste-discrimination allegation, saying people from different communities participated in the ritual.

Congress plans wider protests

The controversy has continued to escalate, with the Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee announcing plans to lodge FIRs at multiple locations across the state over the purification ritual. The party has also announced a major protest in Dehradun on September 7, with senior Congress leaders, including Selja, expected to participate. 

The dispute has now developed into a wider political confrontation over caste discrimination, religious practices and constitutional equality. While the Congress is demanding accountability and legal action over the alleged insult to Kharge, the BJP and the ritual's organisers maintain that the ceremony had no caste-based motive. The competing claims are likely to keep the issue in focus in Uttarakhand in the coming days.

The monsoon has intensified across several parts of India, with heavy rainfall triggering waterlogging, flooding and landslides in multiple states. Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have reported significant weather-related disruptions, while the India Meteorological Department has issued rain alerts for several regions over the next two days.

In Lucknow, intense rainfall on Saturday left roads and residential areas waterlogged. Several parts of the Uttar Pradesh capital were inundated after around three hours of heavy rain, with water reaching nearly two feet in some locations.

Meanwhile, rising river levels have increased the flood threat in several districts of Uttar Pradesh. Rivers including the Ganga, Yamuna and Sharda are reported to be flowing at elevated levels. In Chitrakoot, the rising Mandakini River has affected nearby settlements, with floodwater entering homes in some colonies.

Lucknow Faces Severe Waterlogging

Heavy rainfall brought parts of Lucknow to a standstill, with roads turning into stretches of stagnant water. Residential areas and low-lying locations were among the worst affected.

The latest spell has added to concerns over drainage and waterlogging in the city as the monsoon remains active across Uttar Pradesh.

The rising water levels of several rivers are also being closely monitored, particularly in districts located along major river systems.

Chitrakoot River Levels Rise

In Chitrakoot, the Mandakini River has risen rapidly following heavy rainfall in the region. Floodwater reached colonies located near the river and entered some houses.

The situation has raised concerns for residents living in low-lying areas as rainfall continues in parts of the state.

A bridge connecting areas of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh was also reported to have been submerged, affecting movement in the region.

Odisha Evacuates Over 95,000

Odisha has been among the states most affected by the latest spell of heavy rain. Flooding disrupted normal life across six districts, with more than 95,000 people evacuated from vulnerable and low-lying areas following heavy rainfall during the previous 24 hours.

In Jajpur district, the Kani River rose sharply at Dasarathpur, causing water to accumulate across nearby areas.

An under-construction bridge over the Kani River, a tributary of the Baitarani, was washed away by floodwaters. The incident disrupted connectivity and highlighted the impact of the sudden rise in river levels.

The state remains under a heavy rainfall alert through August 18.

Himachal Reports 183 Deaths

Himachal Pradesh has also witnessed significant monsoon-related losses. According to the latest figures, 183 people have died in rain- and monsoon-related incidents between June 30 and August 15.

As of Saturday evening, 103 roads remained closed across the hill state due to landslides, flooding and other weather-related disruptions.

Authorities continue to monitor vulnerable areas as further rainfall could trigger additional landslides and road blockages.

Army Personnel Missing in Arunachal

In Arunachal Pradesh's Dibang Valley, a cloudburst triggered flash floods and landslides, leaving five Army personnel missing.

The Army said two soldiers were rescued safely, while search and rescue operations continued for the remaining personnel. Multiple Army teams and helicopters have been deployed for relief and search operations.

Elsewhere in Upper Subansiri district, a landslide reportedly killed four people.

Uttarakhand Dam Near Danger Mark

In Uttarakhand, the water level at Tehri Dam has reached the danger mark amid continuing rainfall and rising water levels.

Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation as heavy rain is expected to continue in parts of the state.

Red Alert in Odisha, Bengal

The weather situation is expected to remain active over the next two days.

For August 17, a red alert has been issued for heavy rain in Odisha and West Bengal. An orange alert is in place for Assam-Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir-Ladakh.

A yellow alert covers Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, central Maharashtra, Konkan-Goa, Sikkim and several northeastern states.

For August 18, an orange alert has been issued for Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Odisha, while several northern, central and northeastern states remain under yellow alerts.

With rivers already running high in several regions, authorities are expected to maintain close surveillance of flood-prone and landslide-prone areas as the latest monsoon spell continues.

At least three workers are feared trapped inside an under-construction tunnel at a hydroelectric project site in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district after water and debris entered the tunnel on Thursday evening. Sixteen workers have been rescued, officials said.

The incident occurred at the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) Limited's project site in the Pipalkoti area. Construction work at the site is being carried out by the Hindustan Construction Company (HCC).

18–19 Workers Were Trapped

According to information released by the Uttarakhand government, around 18 to 19 workers were inside the tunnel when water and debris suddenly entered at around 7 pm.

Rescue teams initially managed to bring out eight workers. Another eight workers were subsequently rescued, taking the total number of people brought out safely to 16.

Officials said some of the rescued workers suffered minor injuries, but their condition was reported to be stable.

Rescue Operation Underway

A large-scale rescue operation has been launched to locate and evacuate the remaining workers.

Teams from the Uttarakhand Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and other agencies reached the site shortly after receiving information about the incident.

A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team from Rudraprayag has also been sent to Pipalkoti. Teams from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Army have been deployed to assist in the operation.

Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar reached the site and is overseeing the rescue efforts.

CM Dhami Orders Swift Action

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed concern over the incident and directed officials to conduct rescue and relief operations on a priority basis.

Dhami said the government's foremost objective was to ensure the safe evacuation of every worker still believed to be inside the tunnel.

The chief minister said he was receiving real-time updates on the rescue operation and instructed the concerned agencies to work with urgency.

Chief Secretary Reviews Situation

Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan said the administration had received information that several workers were trapped after water and debris entered the tunnel.

Officials are coordinating the response through multiple agencies as rescue personnel work to reach the remaining workers.

Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary of the Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Department, said the situation was being continuously monitored through emergency operation centres.

He added that additional teams would be deployed if required.

Focus on Safe Evacuation

The priority for rescuers is to establish access to the section of the tunnel where the remaining workers are believed to be trapped and safely bring them out.

Authorities have not yet released detailed information about the exact cause of the sudden water and debris flow.

The incident has prompted the mobilisation of multiple disaster-response and security agencies as the rescue operation continues at the Pipalkoti project site.

India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has made a public appeal to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, seeking help in acquiring land to build his first home in his native state.

Pant, who is currently in Sri Lanka with the Indian team ahead of the two-match Test series, said he has been trying to shift his base from Delhi to Uttarakhand for nearly three years but has been unable to find suitable land.

The cricketer clarified that he was not seeking the land as a gift. Instead, he wants to purchase it from the government at the applicable rate.

Pant Appeals to CM

Pant addressed Dhami in a post on X and requested his intervention in the matter.

He said he wanted to return to Uttarakhand, where he was born, and build a home in the state. Pant also expressed his desire to contribute to the development of Uttarakhand and remain connected with the people of the hills.

The cricketer said the process of finding suitable land had become difficult and that he had been waiting for a resolution for around three years.

Pant also mentioned that he wanted to purchase land at government rates so that he could build his first house in his home state.

Dhami Responds

Pant's appeal soon attracted attention on social media, prompting a response from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

Dhami described Pant as the pride of Uttarakhand and praised his achievements in cricket, saying the cricketer had brought recognition to the state in India and across the world.

The chief minister said the matter had been forwarded to the concerned officials.

According to Dhami, the officials would contact Pant and provide all possible assistance in accordance with government rules.

Born in Roorkee

Pant was born in Roorkee in Haridwar district, Uttarakhand. He began his cricket journey in the state before moving to Delhi to pursue the sport professionally.

He subsequently established himself as one of India's leading wicketkeeper-batters and has represented the country across formats.

Although Pant represents Delhi in domestic cricket, he has repeatedly spoken about his connection with Uttarakhand.

His latest appeal reflects his desire to eventually make the state his permanent home.

Uttarakhand Brand Ambassador

Pant already has a long-standing association with the Uttarakhand government.

In August 2022, the Pushkar Singh Dhami government appointed him as a brand ambassador of Uttarakhand. The state government had said at the time that Pant's achievements could inspire young people to pursue careers in sports.

Nearly four years later, Pant has once again publicly highlighted his connection with the state while seeking assistance in acquiring land.

Pant's Tax Contribution

The land request also comes shortly after reports about Pant's tax contribution in Uttarakhand.

According to the information provided in the source, Pant paid ₹23.84 crore in income tax during the 2025-26 financial year, making him the highest individual taxpayer in the state during the period.

He was also reported to have ranked fourth among non-corporate taxpayers overall.

India Preparing for Sri Lanka Tests

Pant is currently with the Indian squad in Sri Lanka as the team prepares for a two-Test series.

The first Test is scheduled to begin on August 15, followed by the second Test from August 23.

With the series approaching, Pant's focus will now return to cricket. However, his public appeal to the Uttarakhand government has generated considerable attention, particularly because of his stated intention to return to his roots and establish a permanent home in the state.

New Delhi: Torrential monsoon rains continue to batter several parts of India, triggering floods, landslides and infrastructure damage across multiple states. Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Assam are among the worst-affected regions, where swollen rivers, collapsing buildings and disrupted transport have severely impacted daily life.

Floodwaters Reach Villages and Schools in Uttar Pradesh

In Uttar Pradesh, relentless rainfall has caused major rivers, including the Ganga and Saryu, to swell beyond safe levels. In Farrukhabad district, floodwaters have entered 33 villages and submerged the premises of 40 government schools, disrupting educational activities and affecting thousands of residents.

In Ballia, continuous erosion by the Saryu River has destroyed 27 houses within a week, forcing several families to evacuate and seek shelter in safer locations. Local authorities have launched relief and rehabilitation measures for the affected residents.

Meanwhile, in Varanasi, the rising water level of the Ganga has inundated nearly 40 to 50 small temples located along the riverbanks. Several ghats remain partially submerged, prompting officials to advise pilgrims and tourists to stay away from the flooded areas.

Six Killed After Century-Old House Collapses

A tragic incident was reported from Pratapgarh, where a 100-year-old house collapsed following continuous rainfall. The building came crashing down on members of a single family, claiming the lives of six people.

Rescue teams worked for several hours to remove debris and recover the victims. District officials have initiated relief measures and announced assistance for the affected family.

Heavy Rain Disrupts Uttarakhand

In Uttarakhand, overnight rainfall has triggered multiple landslides and road blockages across the hill districts. As a precautionary measure, authorities have ordered the closure of all schools up to Class 12, including Anganwadi centres, in Dehradun, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar and Pauri Garhwal.

A major landslide near Tilwara in Rudraprayag brought mud, rocks and rainwater onto the Kedarnath Highway, trapping several vehicles under debris and disrupting traffic on the pilgrimage route. Emergency teams are working to clear the highway and restore connectivity.

Another landslide near Helang in Chamoli has blocked the Badrinath National Highway, leaving travellers stranded as road clearance operations continue.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast more heavy rainfall across several districts of Uttarakhand, prompting disaster management authorities to remain on high alert.

Assam Flood Situation Remains Critical

Flood conditions in Assam continue to be severe despite ongoing rescue and relief operations. Over the past 24 hours, six more people lost their lives, taking the death toll during this monsoon season to 95.

The Dhansiri River is flowing above the danger mark, leading authorities to issue a high alert in 14 districts. According to official estimates, more than 1.6 lakh people across 563 villages remain affected by floodwaters.

Relief camps have been set up to provide food, drinking water and temporary shelter to displaced families, while rescue teams continue evacuation efforts in severely flooded areas using boats and emergency equipment.

Authorities Continue Rescue and Relief Operations

State governments and disaster response agencies are monitoring the evolving situation closely. Restoration work is underway to reopen blocked highways, repair damaged infrastructure and ensure the supply of essential services in affected regions.

Officials have urged residents living in vulnerable areas to remain alert, avoid flooded riverbanks and strictly follow advisories issued by local administrations and weather agencies.

Rudraprayag: Continuous heavy rainfall has intensified the flood situation in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district, with the Alaknanda River flowing above the danger mark and the Mandakini River also witnessing a sharp rise in water levels. The persistent downpour has inundated several low-lying areas, prompting the district administration to remain on high alert and closely monitor the evolving situation.

According to officials, rainfall has continued across the district since early morning, leading to a rapid increase in river discharge. The swelling Alaknanda has raised concerns in vulnerable locations situated along the riverbanks, while water levels in the Mandakini have also risen significantly due to heavy precipitation in the higher Himalayan regions.

District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar said that the upper reaches of the Himalayas have received substantial rainfall over the past several hours, causing a surge in water flow downstream. Authorities are continuously tracking river levels and weather conditions to respond quickly if the situation worsens.

The administration has deployed disaster management teams in sensitive areas and instructed local officials to remain prepared for any emergency. Rescue equipment and response personnel have been kept on standby as a precautionary measure, particularly in villages and settlements located near riverbanks and landslide-prone stretches.

Flooding has already been reported from several low-lying areas, where water has entered roads and open spaces, affecting normal movement. Officials are assessing the situation on the ground while advising residents living close to rivers and streams to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel.

The India Meteorological Department's forecast indicates that heavy rainfall is likely to continue through the day, raising the possibility of further increases in river levels. Authorities have appealed to pilgrims, tourists and local residents to follow official advisories and avoid venturing into high-risk zones during the ongoing spell of bad weather.

The Char Dham region, which experiences heavy tourist movement during the pilgrimage season, is also under close observation. Local administrations have been asked to coordinate with police, disaster response teams and public works departments to ensure that roads remain safe and emergency assistance is available if required.

Officials have also warned of possible landslides and falling debris along hilly roads due to saturated soil conditions. Travellers have been advised to check weather updates and road conditions before beginning their journeys.

Disaster management authorities are conducting continuous surveillance of the Alaknanda and Mandakini river systems, while communication channels have been strengthened with villages located in vulnerable areas. Relief teams are prepared to shift people to safer locations if water levels continue to rise.

Although no major casualties or large-scale damage had been officially reported at the time of the latest update, the administration has emphasised that the situation remains dynamic and residents should remain alert until weather conditions improve.

Heavy rain continued to batter several parts of India on Thursday, triggering landslides, river erosion and disruptions to road and pilgrimage routes, while the weather department issued an orange alert for rain in 16 states, including Rajasthan. Uttarakhand was among the worst-affected states in the morning, with landslides reported from Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Uttarkashi districts. A landslide near Gaurikund forced authorities to close the Kedarnath trekking route, and pilgrims were stopped from proceeding further as a precaution. In Rudraprayag, debris near Silli disrupted traffic on the highway for some time. In another incident, boulders rolled down a hillside near a petrol pump and crushed a car. Haridwar also witnessed a close call when a Kanwar pilgrim was swept away by the strong current of the Ganga while collecting holy water. An SDRF team deployed at the ghat responded quickly and rescued the man before he was carried further downstream.

The situation remained worrying in parts of Uttar Pradesh, where swollen rivers and erosion have started affecting villages. In Ballia, erosion along the Saryu river intensified as water entered residential areas. More than 100 families have reportedly left their homes and shifted to safer places. Two houses were swept into the river, while the land underneath several other homes has already been washed away, leaving residents worried about further damage. A similar situation was reported from Gonda, where the falling water level of the Ghaghra river has led to increased erosion along its banks. Several bighas of land and trees have been swallowed by the river. With the monsoon remaining active, people living close to riverbanks are facing an uncertain situation as changing water levels continue to weaken the surrounding land. Authorities are keeping watch on vulnerable areas, while residents in affected villages are moving belongings and family members away from locations considered unsafe.

Heavy rainfall has also caused disruption in Jammu and Kashmir. In Rajouri, a wall of a government primary school building collapsed following intense rain. No casualty was mentioned in the initial information. Meanwhile, a landslide near Akchamal blocked the Kargil-Leh National Highway, forcing authorities to stop vehicular movement on the route. The developments in Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand come as widespread rainfall continues across several regions of the country. The orange alert covering 16 states indicates the possibility of spells of heavy to very heavy rain in vulnerable areas. For the moment, the biggest concern remains mountainous regions where saturated slopes can trigger sudden landslides and falling rocks, while riverbank areas in the plains are dealing with flooding and erosion. The closure of the Kedarnath route has also directly affected pilgrims, who will have to wait for conditions to improve and the track to be declared safe before their journey resumes. With rainfall continuing, travellers and residents in affected areas are being advised to remain cautious, particularly around landslide-prone roads, swollen rivers and fast-flowing streams.

Heavy monsoon rainfall continued to lash large parts of India on Wednesday, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue red and orange alerts across several states. Flooding, landslides, transport disruptions and industrial shutdowns have been reported as multiple weather systems intensified rainfall across the country.

The IMD said a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is moving across Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, while the monsoon trough remains active. The weather office has forecast above-normal rainfall over Northwest and Central India for the next four to five days and heavy rainfall across Eastern India for up to six days, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides.

Red Alert for Central India

The IMD has issued a red alert for parts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, warning of extremely heavy rainfall in several districts. In Madhya Pradesh, districts including Balaghat, Seoni, Chhindwara, Narmadapuram and Raisen are likely to receive intense rainfall over the next 24 hours.

Heavy rain warnings have also been issued for Dewas, Sehore, Harda, Betul, Pandhurna, Sagar, Narsinghpur, Damoh, Jabalpur and Chhatarpur, while moderate to heavy showers are expected in more than 40 districts, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, Rewa and Shahdol.

The Meteorological Department has said the current spell of heavy rain is likely to continue in the state until August 1.

Gujarat Flooding Hits Tata Motors Plant

Continuous rainfall and flooding in Gujarat have disrupted operations at Tata Motors' Sanand manufacturing plant and several nearby supplier units.

The company said production of the Tiago, Tigor, Nexon and Sierra models has been temporarily affected after floodwaters entered the industrial area. Restoration work is underway, and operations are expected to resume once conditions improve. The temporary disruption may impact vehicle deliveries.

Maruti Suzuki, however, said its manufacturing facility at Hansalpur-Becharaji has not been affected.

Char Dham Yatra Suspended

In Uttarakhand, landslides triggered by heavy rainfall have blocked several pilgrimage routes. As a precaution, authorities have suspended the Char Dham Yatra for two days.

Heavy rain alerts have been issued for eight districts, with forecasts of thunderstorms, lightning and intense rainfall. Schools and Anganwadi centres in Champawat, Bageshwar and Tehri have also been closed.

The IMD has warned that adverse weather conditions are expected to persist across the hill state until August 5.

Rain Causes Urban Flooding

Heavy rainfall also affected several cities across northern India.

In Delhi, waterlogging in several markets and major roads led to long traffic jams and disrupted daily commuting.

In Punjab and Chandigarh, orange and yellow alerts remain in force after overnight rain brought temperatures down by nearly 3 degrees Celsius.

Flood Situation in Assam

Flood conditions remain critical in Assam, where the death toll has risen to 75.

According to state authorities, over 3.32 lakh people across seven districts continue to be affected, while more than 45,000 hectares of agricultural land remain submerged.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced financial assistance for affected families, including compensation for those who lost relatives in the floods and support for displaced students.

Rain Alerts Across States

The IMD has also issued rainfall alerts for several other states:

• Orange Alert: Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, East Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Central Maharashtra and Karnataka.

• Yellow Alert: Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Konkan-Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura.

In Rajasthan, rain alerts have been issued for 22 districts, while Bihar remains under a yellow alert for thunderstorms and lightning in 13 districts. Parts of Meerut (Uttar Pradesh), Khagaria (Bihar) and Gariaband (Chhattisgarh) also reported waterlogging and local flooding.

Authorities have advised residents in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel and follow local administration advisories until weather conditions improve.

The order covers the full period from July 30 to August 11, 2026, spanning the entire duration of this year's pilgrimage. The Kanwar Yatra begins on July 30 — the first day of the sacred Hindu month of Shravan (Sawan) — and builds toward its peak on Sawan Shivratri, August 11, when devotees perform jalabhishek, offering Ganga water to Shiva idols in temples across North India.

This year's arrangements include a notable first for the pilgrimage: Haridwar police are deploying cyber commandos for the first time specifically to monitor and manage the Yatra, alongside the traditional security setup of magistrates, additional police personnel and CCTV surveillance that Haridwar puts in place every year to handle the crowds. Ahead of the Yatra, police in Rishikesh held a coordination meeting with officials from three districts, directing them to accelerate preparations before the pilgrimage begins.

The scale of the closure reflects the sheer volume of pilgrims Haridwar handles during this window. In recent years, the Kanwar Mela has drawn upward of 2.5 to 7 crore devotees to the city over the course of the pilgrimage, arriving from across North India — Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan among the biggest contributing states — to collect holy water from Har-ki-Pauri before carrying it, often on foot, to Shiva temples back home. With that scale of movement through the city, road closures, traffic diversions and heavy footfall around the Ganga ghats make continued school and college operation impractical for the district during this window.

Families and students outside Haridwar district planning to travel through the region — particularly toward Rishikesh, Dehradun or Mussoorie — should factor in the same window, since the roads along the Delhi-Meerut-Muzaffarnagar-Haridwar corridor typically see heavy diversions and closures for roughly two weeks around the pilgrimage's peak.

Students and parents in Haridwar are advised to confirm the exact reopening date with their specific school, since some institutions may resume slightly earlier or later depending on local administrative orders issued closer to the pilgrimage's conclusion.

Banks will remain closed in Odisha, Uttarakhand and Manipur on Thursday, July 16, on account of regional festivals including Jagannath Rath Yatra and Harela, in accordance with the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) state-wise holiday calendar. However, bank branches across Madhya Pradesh will function as usual, with no banking holiday notified for the state.

The holiday applies only to the states where the festivals are officially observed. Customers in the affected states are advised to plan branch visits accordingly, while digital banking services will continue to remain available.

Holiday for Regional Festivals

The closure has been announced to mark Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of Odisha's most significant religious festivals, and Harela, a traditional festival celebrated primarily in Uttarakhand that marks the beginning of the monsoon and the agricultural season.

Manipur has also been included in the state-wise banking holiday list for the day.

Digital Banking Services Unaffected

Although physical bank branches will remain closed in the affected states, customers will continue to have access to digital banking facilities, including:

• Internet banking

• Mobile banking applications

• Unified Payments Interface (UPI)

• ATM cash withdrawals

• Debit and credit card transactions

Online fund transfers through NEFT and RTGS will also be available as per the RBI's operational schedule.

Banks Open in Madhya Pradesh

There is no banking holiday in Madhya Pradesh on July 16, and all public sector, private sector and cooperative bank branches are expected to operate according to their normal business hours.

Customers in the state can visit branches for routine banking services, including cash deposits and withdrawals, cheque clearance, account-related services and loan transactions.

Customers Advised to Check Local Holiday List

Bank holidays in India are notified by the Reserve Bank of India and vary from state to state depending on local festivals, public holidays and regional observances. Customers travelling across states are advised to verify the applicable holiday schedule before planning branch visits.

While branch operations may remain suspended in certain states, digital banking platforms ensure uninterrupted access to most banking services throughout the holiday.

 The Ministry of Rural Development will organise a 'Panch Sammelan' in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on July 16, bringing together nearly 500 Gram Panchayat heads from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand to deliberate on strengthening grassroots governance and implementing the VB-G Ram Ji Act, 2025.

The conference will be held at the Rudraksh International Convention Centre and will focus on enhancing the institutional capacity of Gram Panchayats while promoting participatory and evidence-based rural development planning.

Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, and Joint Secretary in the Department of Rural Development Rohini R. Bhajibhakare will attend the event.

Focus on Implementation of VB-G Ram Ji Act

The primary objective of the conference is to familiarise elected village representatives with the provisions and objectives of the VB-G Ram Ji Act, 2025 and strengthen institutional preparedness for its effective implementation at the grassroots level.

Discussions will also cover improving Gram Panchayat governance, enhancing transparency and accountability, promoting convergence among government schemes, and preparing evidence-based village development plans aligned with local needs.

Technical Sessions and Best Practices

The programme will begin with registration, a ceremonial lamp lighting, and a welcome session, followed by addresses by senior dignitaries.

Technical sessions will include presentations by officials from the Ministry of Rural Development and partner organisations. Joint Secretary Rohini R. Bhajibhakare will explain the key provisions of the Act and its implementation strategy.

The Uttar Pradesh government will present its experiences in rural governance, while GIZ will showcase initiatives on Gram Panchayat Development Plans. PRADAN will present models for strengthening rural livelihoods, and the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR) will conduct a special session on the role of Gram Panchayat leaders in implementing the legislation effectively.

Platform for Inter-State Learning

The conference will also provide an opportunity for Gram Panchayat heads from the four participating states to exchange experiences, innovative practices, implementation challenges and local success stories.

Officials said the interaction is expected to promote knowledge sharing and encourage the adoption of best practices in rural governance across states.

Representatives from Four States

According to the Ministry, around 350 Gram Pradhans from Uttar Pradesh, 75 from Bihar, 50 from Jharkhand, and 25 from Uttarakhand are expected to participate in the conference.

The Ministry said the initiative aims to build stronger, more accountable and responsive Gram Panchayats while accelerating the implementation of rural development programmes in line with the vision of "Viksit Gram–Viksit Bharat."

Heavy monsoon rainfall continued to batter large parts of northern and northeastern India, leaving at least 15 people dead in Uttar Pradesh over the past three days while triggering landslides, road closures and flooding across several states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast comparatively weak monsoon activity over the next five days in 10 states, including Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, as the rain-bearing system shifts towards eastern and northeastern India.

According to the latest satellite observations, dense cloud cover has moved over Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura, resulting in widespread rainfall and weather-related disruptions.

Uttar Pradesh Reports Rain-Related Deaths

Uttar Pradesh has witnessed some of the worst impacts of the current spell of monsoon rain. Officials reported that 15 people lost their lives in separate rain-related incidents during the last three days.

In Hapur, severe waterlogging submerged several underpasses, leaving vehicles stranded and disrupting traffic. In Bijnor, the Ganga River and its tributary, the Malan River, continued to flow above normal levels. A bridge collapse further disrupted movement on the Meerut-Bijnor Highway, Haridwar Road and adjoining routes.

Reports from the district also indicated that several people were caught in strong river currents as authorities continued rescue efforts.

Landslides Disrupt Connectivity

Continuous rainfall triggered multiple landslides in the Himalayan states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, severely affecting transportation.

In Uttarakhand, 118 roads remained closed due to landslides and debris. Around 100 metres of the Yamunotri National Highway was washed away, cutting off connectivity to one of the state's important pilgrimage routes.

Himachal Pradesh reported an even larger disruption, with more than 320 roads blocked following landslides caused by persistent rainfall. Authorities have deployed restoration teams, though continuous rain has slowed repair work in several districts.

Tourists Stranded in Mizoram

The northeast has also been hit hard by the shifting monsoon system. In Mizoram's Lunglei district, rising river levels forced authorities to evacuate nearly 80 families to safer locations.

Landslides were reported at 29 different locations across the state. National Highway 54 near Bualte village remains blocked, leaving several tourists stranded for the past four days. Road-clearing operations are underway, but intermittent rainfall continues to hamper restoration efforts.

IMD Tracks Eastward Shift of Monsoon

The IMD said satellite imagery indicates that monsoon clouds have largely shifted eastwards, concentrating rainfall over the Himalayan belt and northeastern states.

As a result, several central and western states, including Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, are likely to witness reduced rainfall activity over the coming five days. However, officials have advised residents in flood- and landslide-prone regions to remain alert, as isolated heavy showers are still possible.

Authorities Continue Relief Efforts

State administrations across the affected regions have intensified rescue, evacuation and restoration operations. Road clearance teams, disaster response personnel and local authorities are working to restore connectivity and provide relief to affected residents.

With rivers flowing at high levels and saturated soil increasing the risk of fresh landslides, officials have urged travellers to avoid unnecessary journeys in vulnerable areas and follow weather advisories issued by local administrations.

The ongoing monsoon season continues to pose challenges across multiple states, with authorities closely monitoring the evolving weather situation and preparing for any further rainfall-related emergencies.