Uttarakhand Weather: Mercury Dips, Hills Jammed

Why in News?

Parts of Uttarakhand received a fresh round of snow and rainfall, offering respite from the prevailing dry spell and bringing down temperatures across the region.

  • The overcast conditions led to a surge in tourist influx to Mussoorie and its vicinity.

Key Points

India Meteorological Department (IMD)

  • IMD was established in 1875. It is the National Meteorological Service of the country and the principal government agency in all matters relating to meteorology and allied subjects.
    • It works as an agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government of India.
  • It is headquartered in New Delhi.
  • IMD is also one of the six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres of the World Meteorological Organization.

Yamunotri

  • Location: Uttarkashi district.
  • Dedicated to: Goddess Yamuna.
  • River Yamuna is the second-most sacred river in India after River Ganga.

Gangotri

  • Location: Uttarkashi district.
  • Dedicated to: Goddess Ganga.
  • Considered the most sacred of all Indian rivers.

Kedarnath

  • Location: Rudraprayag district.
  • Dedicated to: Lord Shiva.
  • Situated on the bank of the Mandakini River.
  • One of the 12 Jyotirlingas (divine representations of Lord Shiva) in India.

Badrinath

  • Location: Chamoli district.
  • Home to the sacred Badrinarayan Temple.
  • Dedicated to: Lord Vishnu.
  • One of the holy shrines for Vaishnavites .