Cloudburst Wreaks Havoc in Dehradun; Massive Damage to Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple

Torrential rains triggered by a cloudburst in Dehradun have caused massive destruction across several areas of the city. Dozens of shops in Karligadh village were washed away, hotel resorts sustained damage, and two people are reported missing. Over 100 people have been rescued so far.

The Bailey bridge over the river was swept away, while the Rispana and Tons rivers are flowing in spate. In a tragic incident, 10 labourers riding on a tractor trolley were swept away in the Tons river due to the heavy current.

Temple Suffers Severe Damage

The revered Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple, one of Dehradun’s most prominent religious sites, was not spared. The river water level near the temple surged by nearly 28 feet, filling the premises with debris. Sand and silt rose up to two feet over the sacred Shivlinga before priests and temple staff carefully cleared it.

A small bridge leading to the temple was washed away, while the lift system, used by elderly and disabled devotees, was badly damaged. Puja materials, sacred objects, and personal belongings of the priests were also washed away as water entered their residential quarters.

Local devotees and residents have urged the administration to undertake immediate relief and restoration work, stressing the temple’s religious and cultural significance.

CM Dhami Reviews Situation

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Kesarwala and Maldevta areas of Dehradun to assess the damage caused by the disaster. Accompanied by Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, the CM reviewed relief and rehabilitation efforts and instructed officials to ensure immediate assistance to all affected families.

“The state government stands firmly with every disaster-affected family. Every possible help will be ensured,” the Chief Minister said, adding that permanent solutions to prevent such devastation will be worked upon.