Relief work continues on war footing
Rescue of over 130 people
Dehradun/Uttarkashi: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami immediately canceled his proposed tour to Andhra Pradesh and reached the State Disaster Operations Center at IT Park, Dehradun, on Tuesday evening. He reviewed the situation following the devastating cloudburst in Dharali (Harsil area), Uttarkashi, and directed officials to carry out relief and rescue operations on a war footing.
“Every life is precious for the government,” the Chief Minister said, instructing the Army, SDRF, NDRF, District Administration, and all concerned agencies to ensure swift and coordinated action.
Major Directives Issued by the Chief Minister:
Closure of Institutions:
All educational and non-essential institutions in the affected areas to remain closed. Emergency services will continue to operate.
Immediate Relief Measures:
CM instructed for urgent arrangements for shelter, food, and medical aid for the affected people in hotels, homestays, and relief camps.
Restoration of Basic Services:
Mobile network and electricity supply to be restored by Tuesday night. CM spoke directly to UPCL MD for prompt action.
Airlift Operations:
Use of MI-17 Air Force helicopters approved for evacuation and supply of essential relief materials like food, clothes, and medicines. Airdrop of food packets has begun.
Relief Camps Setup:
Camps to be established in nearby hotels and schools with beds, blankets, and other essentials ensured.
Shelter for the Homeless:
If required, hotels may be acquired to house displaced residents. CM also directed to begin the compensation process without delay.
Nodal Officers Appointed:
Dr. Meherban Singh Bisht (Additional Secretary)
Abhishek Rohilla
Gaurav Kumar
Vineet Kumar (Additional Secretary) – Nodal officer for permanent camp in Uttarkashi
Vinay Shankar Pandey (Commissioner Garhwal) – Government-level nodal officer
High-Level Team Dispatched:
A team of departmental secretaries will leave for Dharali and Harsil by Wednesday morning for on-ground coordination.
Road Access Restored, Relief Teams Mobilized:
The blocked road at Netala was reopened by 8 PM, allowing the District Magistrate, SP, and other teams to reach the disaster site. Teams from the Food and Health Departments have also been deployed.
Rescue and Relief Status:
More than 130 people have been rescued and moved to safer locations through the joint efforts of SDRF, ITBP, and local administration. Medical teams are on-site, and post-mortem arrangements have been directed where required.
Meeting Attended by Top Officials:
The high-level review meeting was attended by Principal Secretary R.K. Sudhanshu, DGP Deepam Seth, Secretaries Shailesh Bagauli and Pankaj Pandey, Commissioner Garhwal Vinay Shankar Pandey, and other senior officials.
