On March 15, 2025, a massive avalanche struck near Changthang, close to Bhairoghati-Dharali, blocking the Gangotri National Highway in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. This natural disaster has severed connectivity between the district headquarters and several villages, including Mukhwa, Harsil, and Dharali, as well as the revered Gangotri Dham. The incident, the third avalanche in the region recently, has compounded challenges posed by heavy snowfall and rainfall, leaving residents and pilgrims stranded.

The higher reaches of Uttarkashi, such as Gangotri Dham, have accumulated significant snow—up to one foot—while lower areas face relentless rain. This weather pattern, driven by a western disturbance, has heightened avalanche risks, with the meteorological department issuing warnings for the coming days. The blocked highway, a critical lifeline for the region, has disrupted access to essential supplies and services, echoing past incidents where snow and landslides have repeatedly isolated these remote communities.

Efforts to clear the debris are underway, with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) typically tasked with restoring access. However, continuous snowfall may delay these operations, as seen in previous winters. Local authorities are monitoring the situation, but the immediate outlook remains uncertain for the affected villages.

This event underscores the vulnerability of Uttarakhand’s mountainous regions to natural calamities, particularly during peak snow seasons. As climate patterns shift, such disruptions may become more frequent, posing ongoing challenges for infrastructure and safety in this ecologically fragile area. For now, residents await relief as nature holds the highway hostage.