Uttrakhand flash flood: Ganga water level surges in Rishikesh; touches Shiva idol at Parmarth Niketan, ghats sealed

Following a cloudburst and flash flood in Uttarkashi, the River Ganga’s water level surged alarmingly in Rishikesh, even touching the Shiva idol at Parmarth Niketan Ashram. All ghats are closed, and riverbank access is restricted. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the situation and assured Prime Minister Modi that rescue efforts are underway despite persistent rainfall and difficult terrain.