Uttarakhand news & politics
The latest news from Uttarakhand, where Pushkar Singh Dhami (BJP) is Chief Minister. Most covered in the last 30 days: crime violence, protest opposition, political gaffe.
Dalit leader Dinesh Arya elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha as no Congress candidates contest
Dinesh Arya, a Dalit leader from Haldwani, was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Uttarakhand on October 9, 2026. Returning officer H.C. Pant issued the certificate after no candidates from Congress contested. The seat is held by Naresh Bansal until November 25. This occurs amid allegations of anti-Dalit bias and a controversy involving Mallikarjun Kharge.
IMD forecasts heavy rain in Tamil Nadu and Kerala with yellow alert for Uttarakhand
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds across India. Heavy rain is expected in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, while Delhi remains partly cloudy on October 9 with a maximum temperature of 32 degrees Celsius. A yellow alert covers eight Uttarakhand districts for moderate rain and 30-40 kmph winds. Rain continues in Himachal Pradesh until October 11.
Harish Rawat agrees to stop yatra after Congress leaders request compliance
Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and Congress veteran Harish Rawat agreed to comply with party directions after K.C. Venugopal and Kumari Selja requested he stop his ‘Dhanyawad Evam Jansamvad Yatra’ on October 1, 2026. Rawat stated the yatra was for thanking supporters during a three and a half month illness. He also claimed the BJP and Enforcement Directorate targeted him.
CM Dhami offers special prayers for PM Modi's health at Kashi Vishwanath temple
On Wednesday, October 7, 2026, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami offered special prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Uttarkashi. He prayed for the good health and success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who completed 25 years in public life. Dhami expressed hope that India will continue progressing toward becoming a developed nation under Modi's leadership.
4.9-magnitude earthquake strikes Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district; tremors felt in Delhi and Dehradun
A 4.9-magnitude earthquake struck Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district at 10.23 p.m. on October 7, 2026, at a depth of 13 km. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) and the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) reported tremors felt in Delhi and Dehradun. People rushed from homes, but officials confirmed there have been no reports of any damage so far.
Monal moves higher and changes call pitch to avoid human encroachment in Uttarakhand
Dr Rajeev Lochan, Dinesh Kumar Sharma, and Anand Kumar from Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University conducted two studies over five years in Uttarakhand. They found the monal is moving higher to avoid human encroachment and changing its call pitch and duration to cut through noise. Climate change projections through 2100 suggest habitat shrinkage across Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
Dehradun police detain suspect after triple murder by screwdriver at Vishnu Lok Colony
Police in Dehradun detained a suspect after the triple murder of 80-year-old K S Kapoor, 76-year-old Rajni Kapoor, and 55-year-old domestic help Tiliya Devi. The victims were stabbed with a screwdriver at House No. 16 in Vishnu Lok Colony around 3 pm. SSP Pramendra Doval stated the suspect was known to the family, and robbery is not currently suspected.
Magnitude 4.9 earthquake hits Chamoli, Uttarakhand; tremors felt in Delhi
The National Center for Seismology reported a magnitude 4.9 earthquake in Chamoli, Uttarakhand at 22:23:13 IST on October 6, 2026, at a depth of 13 Km. Tremors were felt in Delhi. Earlier that day, a magnitude 4.5 earthquake struck Nagaon, Assam at 04:23:47 IST on October 5, 2026, at a depth of 33 Km.
Multiple earthquakes hit Assam, Bageshwar and Chamoli; tremors felt in Delhi-NCR
On October 6, 2026, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) and US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded multiple earthquakes in India. A 4.5-magnitude quake struck Assam's Nagaon at 4:23 AM IST at a depth of 33 km. Later, a 5.1-magnitude earthquake occurred near Bageshwar at 10:23 PM IST at 10 km depth, while a 4.9-magnitude quake hit Chamoli, Uttarakhand at 10:23 PM IST at 13 km depth. Tremors were felt in Delhi and Delhi-NCR.
"White traffic jam" as heavy snowfall blocks Adi Kailash route at 14,500 feet
Over the past weekend, heavy snowfall in Uttarakhand caused a "white traffic jam" at 14,500 feet on the route to Adi Kailash. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) attempted to clear three to four feet of snow from narrow stretches like Elgad, Kulagad, S-Bend, and Malghat. Tourism surged as visitors reached 61,950 in 2026, far exceeding the 31,558 recorded in 2025.
Dinesh Arya files nomination for Uttarakhand's lone Rajya Sabha seat to replace Naresh Bansal
On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, Dinesh Arya, a Scheduled Caste leader from the Kumaon region, filed his nomination for Uttarakhand's lone Rajya Sabha seat. He submitted papers to Pushkar Singh Dhami, Mahendra Bhatt, and Tirath Singh Rawat. The election is scheduled for October 16. His candidacy aims for regional balance as he replaces Naresh Bansal whose term ends November 25.
India and UAE armies begin Exercise Mountain Guardian 2026 in Uttarakhand
The Indian Army and UAE Army began Exercise Mountain Guardian 2026 on Monday at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubatia, Uttarakhand. From October 5-18, 92 personnel from a Bhairav Battalion and a Mountain Infantry Battalion will conduct mountain warfare drills. The exercise includes women officers and combatants to enhance inter-operability, tactical proficiency, and military cooperation between India and the UAE.
