In the wake of twin cloudbursts that wreaked havoc in Uttarkashi district, rescue and relief operations have intensified across the affected regions of Dharali and Harsil. On Thursday, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) airlifted 44 individuals to safety, evacuating them by helicopter to Matli, from where they are being transported to their respective destinations.
Rescue efforts are being spearheaded by a coordinated force comprising the Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, Uttarakhand Police, and the local administration. Two injured persons were transferred from the Matli Health Camp to AIIMS Rishikesh for advanced medical care.
Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey said that two sorties carrying 9–10 evacuees each had already taken off from Harsil. An IAF Chinook helicopter is also being mobilized from Jolly Grant Airport, carrying essential materials and additional NDRF personnel to the affected zones.
“Our first priority is to evacuate stranded pilgrims from Gangotri Dham,” said Pandey, adding that the District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) are operating from field offices, and technical experts from essential services have reached the disaster zone.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is personally overseeing rescue operations from Uttarkashi. On Thursday morning, he met with NDRF, SDRF, and district officials in the Dharali region to review the status of relief work. He directed authorities to intensify heli-rescue operations and ensure the swift restoration of roads, electricity, communication lines, drinking water, and food supply.
“Necessary instructions were given to make the heli-rescue operations more effective. I also directed prompt restoration of communication, electricity, and supply of food grains and drinking water,” CM Dhami said on X.
Commending the relentless efforts of personnel on the ground, the Chief Minister lauded their dedication and courage, saying, “Even in adverse conditions, the commitment and efficiency of these teams are setting an exemplary standard in disaster management.”
The region remains in a critical state, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a Red Alert until August 12 for multiple districts, including Pauri Garhwal, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Champawat, Udham Singh Nagar, and Bageshwar. In response, schools have been closed, and residents are advised to stay indoors as heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected to continue.
The recent spate of incessant rainfall has led to multiple cloudbursts, including two in Uttarkashi and one in Pauri Garhwal, causing significant damage to infrastructure and loss of life, while efforts to locate missing persons and provide relief to affected families continue round-the-clock.
(With agency inputs)