Uttarakhand CM Dhami Reaches Ground Zero in Uttarkashi Amidst Adverse Weather

Braving adverse weather conditions, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reached ground zero in Dharali (Uttarkashi) on Wednesday to meet disaster-affected families and personally review ongoing relief and rescue operations. The Chief Minister assured the victims of all possible support and directed officials to expedite relief efforts to restore normalcy at the earliest.

In an emotional interaction, the CM met the affected people, many of whom broke down as they shared their grief. Reiterating the government’s commitment, he said, “The state government stands firmly with every affected person. Our top priority is to ensure relief reaches everyone in time and normalcy is restored swiftly.”

Rescue Efforts in Full Swing

The State Government, in coordination with central agencies, is operating on a war footing to carry out rescue and relief operations. Despite weather challenges, seven sorties by UCADA helicopters were conducted on Wednesday, including one that ferried the Hon’ble Chief Minister to the affected site. Key officials including the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police also reached the site by air. In total, 22 personnel from SDRF, NDRF, and district administration reached Dharali via helicopter.

Significantly, 28 NDRF personnel equipped with two satellite phones were airlifted to the site. UCADA helicopters have also rescued 10 Army personnel, including a Lt. Colonel. Two injured jawans were airlifted to higher medical centers, including AIIMS Rishikesh, while others are receiving treatment in local hospitals.

PM Modi Assures Full Central Support

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to CM Dhami on Wednesday morning to review the situation. The CM informed him of the state’s ongoing efforts, including air-dropping of essential supplies using helicopters. The Prime Minister assured all possible assistance from the Central Government and is continuously monitoring the situation.

High-Level Coordination at Emergency Operations Centers

The Chief Minister also conducted a detailed review of the disaster response at the District Emergency Operations Center in Uttarkashi, connecting via video conference with senior officials at the State Emergency Operations Center in Dehradun.

Chief Secretary (in-charge) RK Sudhanshu, Secretary Shailesh Bagauli, DGP Deepam Seth, Major General MPS Gill, and other senior officials formulated a comprehensive rescue strategy. Due to road blockages, heavy machinery and rescue teams are being airdropped as weather permits. Coordination with the BRO and PWD is ongoing to restore road connectivity.

Bodies Recovered, Search for Missing Continues

According to Secretary (Disaster Management) Vinod Kumar Suman, 15 people are currently reported missing, and two bodies have been recovered. Despite adverse weather, rescue efforts were launched on Tuesday and continue round-the-clock.

Deployment of Forces and Medical Preparedness

Human resources deployed include:

• Rajputana Rifles & Ghatak Battalion: 162 personnel

• ITBP: 100 personnel with officers and doctors

• Army: 40 soldiers on foot from Nelang, 50 medical personnel at Tekla

• SDRF: Multiple teams across Dharali, Bhathwari, Gangotri, Ujaili, and Sahastradhara

• NDRF: 79 personnel in Papadagad, 15 pushed forward; additional 50 and 24-member teams on standby at Jolly Grant

• Fire Services: 04 jawans at site, 03 alert teams in Uttarkashi

Medical Teams:

• 11 specialists from Doon Medical College

• 05 from Health Department

• 10 doctors on standby for post-mortem

• A psychiatrist team for trauma care

• 25 ambulances deployed, 10 on standby

• 65 ICU beds and 270 general beds reserved across CHCs, District Hospitals, and AIIMS Rishikesh

• A 4-member specialist team reached Harshil around 5 PM

Air Support Mobilized

Two Chinook helicopters have reached Jolly Grant Airport to support logistical efforts. While a Mi-17 had to return to Sarsawa base due to inclement weather, efforts to reland are underway. Additionally, five AN-32 aircraft with 115 Special Forces have been mobilized for immediate deployment.

Road Clearance Efforts Underway

BRO and PWD are working tirelessly to restore road connectivity. Roads remain blocked in Harshil, Papadgad, and Bhatwadi, with efforts ongoing to construct Bailey bridges at damaged spots like Ganganani and Lincha.