Inter-Ministerial Central Team Conducts Extensive Ground and Aerial Assessment of Disaster-Hit Areas in Uttarakhand
High-Level Meeting Held at USDMA, Damage, Rehabilitation, and Relief Measures Reviewed in Multiple Districts
Dehradun. To assess the large-scale damage caused by heavy rainfall and landslides across Uttarakhand, an inter-ministerial central team from the Government of India on Monday visited several disaster-affected districts. The team carried out both ground and aerial surveys, interacted with local administration and affected citizens, and evaluated the extent of damage as well as immediate relief requirements.
The visit commenced from Dehradun with a high-level meeting at the State Emergency Operation Centre located at the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA). Secretary, Disaster Management & Rehabilitation, Vinod Kumar Suman gave a detailed presentation on the disaster impact, loss assessment, rehabilitation works, and relief measures undertaken. He noted that the state has received substantially higher rainfall this year compared to previous years, leading to widespread losses in agriculture, horticulture, tourism, trade, and livelihoods. He also highlighted the continuous efforts by the state government, with full cooperation from the central government, to restore normalcy in the affected regions.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Executive Officer (Administration) Mr. Anand Swaroop, Additional Chief Executive Officer (Implementation) DIG Mr. Rajkumar Negi, Financial Controller Mr. Abhishek Kumar Anand, and Joint Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mohammad Obedullah Ansari, among other senior officials.
First Team Visits Uttarkashi – Reviews Situation in Dharali-Harsil Region
Led by Joint Secretary R. Prasanna, the first team visited disaster-affected areas in Uttarkashi district, including Dharali, Harsil, and Mukhba. The team landed at the Army helipad in Harsil around 11 a.m., where District Magistrate Prashant Arya provided detailed information regarding property damage and casualties.
The team inspected houses, hotels, orchards, crops, and businesses damaged by the disaster. Affected citizens shared their concerns and sought prompt assistance for rehabilitation, livelihood restoration, relocation, and compensation. The inspection also covered damage to infrastructure such as roads, bridges, electricity and water supply lines, public buildings, as well as the agricultural and livestock sectors.
Joint Secretary R. Prasanna stated that the team, in coordination with the local administration, is compiling detailed reports of losses to property, livelihoods, and crops. Based on this report, the Government of India will announce the required relief package.
The team also included Director (Finance) Shailesh Kumar, Chief Engineer Pankaj Singh, and Deputy Director Vikas Sachan.
Second Team Conducts Assessment in Tharali Region of Chamoli District
The second team, led by Director Dr. Virendra Singh, carried out a combined aerial and ground survey in Chamoli’s Tharali region. The team reviewed the situation in Chepado, Kotdeep, Iradibagad, Mopata (Dewal), and Nandanagar areas.
At the relief center in Kulsari, District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari gave a department-wise damage report through a detailed PPT. He informed the team that continuous rainfall and landslides have severely damaged roads, bridges, buildings, drinking water schemes, power infrastructure, and agricultural fields. Several villages have been completely cut off from main roads, numerous houses have been damaged, and some families had to be relocated to safer locations.
During the field visit, the team interacted with local residents and noted the disruption of transportation, livelihood, and essential services. Dr. Virendra Singh clarified that the primary objective of the visit is to conduct a realistic assessment of the damage so that a factual report can be presented to the central government for swift relief and reconstruction planning.
The team included Under Secretary Sher Bahadur and Superintending Engineer Sudhir Kumar.
Inspections in Other Affected Districts Scheduled for Tuesday
On Tuesday, the team led by Joint Secretary R. Prasanna, which visited Uttarkashi, will conduct ground inspections in Rudraprayag and Pauri Garhwal. Meanwhile, the team led by Dr. Virendra Singh, which assessed Chamoli, will visit disaster-affected areas in Bageshwar and Nainital.
Secretary, Disaster Management & Rehabilitation, Vinod Kumar Suman informed that both teams will return to Dehradun by Tuesday evening. He added that ULMMSC Director Dr. Shantanu Sarkar and Advisor Dr. Mohit Poonia are accompanying the teams as nodal officers.
