Following the disaster in the Dharali area of Uttarkashi, the Uttarakhand government has launched relief and rescue operations on a war footing. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami personally monitored the relief efforts despite adverse weather conditions. With the cooperation of the central government, rescue operations are being expedited by providing helicopters, medical facilities, and financial assistance.
Uttarakhand: After the Dharali disaster, the Uttarakhand government has prioritized relief and rescue operations in the affected areas. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami postponed his visit to Madhya Pradesh to personally oversee the relief efforts. The central government has provided helicopters, specialist doctors, and financial assistance. The Army, NDRF, SDRF, police, and other agencies are working together to accelerate the relief operation. Efforts are also underway to safely evacuate the affected, provide adequate food, drinking water, and accommodation, and restore communication networks.
Rapid Relief and Rescue Operations Immediately After the Disaster
Upon receiving information about the tragedy in Dharali, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami postponed his visit to Madhya Pradesh and reviewed the relief and rescue operations in the disaster-affected areas. He briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on the situation. By the end of the first day, more than 130 people had been safely evacuated, and arrangements for food, drinking water, and shelter were ensured for those affected. Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey was appointed as the nodal officer for better coordination of disaster management. Additional Secretary Vineet Kumar was ordered to set up camp in Uttarkashi for the relief operation.
Along with 300 police personnel, two IGs, three SPs, one Commandant, and 11 Deputy SPs were sent to Uttarkashi. 160 police personnel from Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri, and Tehri also assisted in the relief efforts. The government announced financial assistance by releasing ₹20 crore from the Disaster Mitigation Fund. Secretaries of various departments were instructed to reach the affected areas immediately.
Joint Operation of Central and State Governments
Despite adverse weather conditions, Chief Minister Dhami conducted an aerial survey of Dharali and reviewed the relief efforts by meeting with affected families. The central government provided two Chinook and two MI-17 helicopters from Chandigarh, Sarsawa, and Agra. Efforts were made to restore road access by airlifting heavy equipment using these helicopters. The health department reserved beds for the injured at Doon Medical College, Coronation District Hospital, and AIIMS Rishikesh, and sent specialist doctors to Uttarkashi.
The district administration set up relief camps at the Inter College in Harsil, GMVN, and Jhala. Work is progressing rapidly to restore electricity and communication networks in the area. NIM and SDRF also started the construction of a temporary bridge in Limchagaad. The Chief Minister directed officials to remain on high alert at all times and stayed overnight in Uttarkashi.
Chief Minister Inspects Affected Areas
From Thursday, a shuttle service was started between Matli Uttarkashi and Harsil, in which eight helicopters from UCADA participated. Under the relief operation, 274 affected people were safely transported from Gangotri and surrounding areas to Harsil. Most of them were residents of various states, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Assam, Karnataka, Telangana, and Punjab. By evening, 135 people had been safely transported to their destinations, while 274 people were temporarily accommodated in Harsil.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an on-site inspection of the Sainji area in Pauri from Uttarkashi, interacted with affected families, and distributed relief funds. He also conducted an aerial survey of Bankuda and other affected areas in Thalisain Tehsil. Reviewing the progress of relief and rescue operations, the Chief Minister assured all possible assistance to the affected.
The swift response of the Uttarakhand government and the assistance from the Center have ensured that relief and rescue operations continue smoothly so far, providing great relief to the affected people. Despite this, efforts are ongoing to further accelerate relief efforts and ensure rehabilitation in the affected areas.
