Dehradun/Uttarkashi: Braving adverse weather and tough terrain, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday reached ground zero in the disaster-hit Dharali area of Uttarkashi district. He met with affected families, assured them of all possible assistance, and reviewed ongoing relief and rescue operations.
The Chief Minister interacted with on-ground personnel and instructed officials to ensure timely delivery of relief materials. He stated that two helicopters have been deployed to airlift essential food and relief supplies to the area. Restoring normalcy and delivering aid to every affected individual is the state government’s top priority, he emphasized.
Rescue and relief efforts in the calamity-hit Dharali are being carried out on a war footing, with both central and state agencies working in close coordination. On Wednesday, seven sorties were conducted by UCADA helicopters, the first of which carried the Chief Minister to ground zero, making him the first top official to reach the site after the incident.
Upon his arrival, many disaster-affected people were overwhelmed with emotion—some hugged the Chief Minister and wept. CM Dhami reassured them that the state stands firmly with them in this time of crisis and that no effort would be spared in the relief operations.
“The entire state government stands with the people of Dharali in this difficult hour. Relief and rescue work is being conducted on a war footing. All key departments have been directed to function in 24×7 emergency mode,” said the Chief Minister. Senior officials are overseeing the entire operation from the State Emergency Operations Centre.
PM Modi Assures Central Support
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Chief Minister Dhami on Wednesday morning to get updates on the disaster and ongoing operations. CM Dhami informed him that despite the challenges posed by continuous heavy rainfall, all agencies are working in close coordination to ensure prompt assistance to affected individuals. PM Modi assured full support from the central government.
UCADA Helicopters Play Crucial Role in Relief Ops
UCADA helicopters have played a vital role in the ongoing rescue mission. On Wednesday, they completed seven sorties. The first carried the Chief Minister; the second brought the District Magistrate and SP of Uttarkashi; subsequent flights transported SDRF, NDRF, and district administration teams.
A total of 22 personnel from SDRF and NDRF were airlifted to ground zero. Additionally, 28 NDRF personnel with two satellite phones have been deployed. UCADA helicopters also rescued 10 army personnel, including a Lieutenant Colonel. Two injured soldiers were airlifted to higher medical centers, while two others were transported via road in advanced life-support ambulances to AIIMS Rishikesh. Several others are receiving treatment at Matli and the district hospital.
Three civilians were also rescued and admitted to the district hospital in Uttarkashi for treatment.
