Dehradun – Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, while reviewing the ongoing relief and rescue operations at the District Emergency Operations Center, Uttarkashi, directed officials to accelerate the efforts. During a video conference with senior officials at the State Emergency Operations Center, the CM took a detailed report and issued necessary instructions.
Road Blockages Hindering Rescue Operations
Chief Secretary-in-Charge R.K. Sudhanshu informed the Chief Minister that several rescue teams remain stranded at different locations due to blocked roads. He added that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the Public Works Department (PWD) are working relentlessly to restore connectivity. However, inclement weather has disrupted air rescue efforts. As soon as conditions improve, heavy machinery and rescue teams will be airdropped via helicopters to clear the debris and accelerate rescue operations.
Sudhanshu visited the State Emergency Operations Center on Wednesday evening to review the situation again. Secretary Shailesh Bagoli has been stationed at the center since Wednesday morning and is continuously monitoring the developments.
Two Bodies Recovered, 15 Still Missing
Secretary, Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, Vinod Kumar Suman confirmed that 15 people are reported missing due to the Dharali disaster, and two bodies have been recovered so far. Despite adverse conditions, local rescue teams initiated operations on Tuesday itself. Efforts are ongoing to open the roads and deliver essential aid, though bad weather continues to hamper movement of teams and equipment.
Detailed Strategy Framed
A comprehensive rescue strategy was chalked out at the State Emergency Operations Center early Wednesday morning under the leadership of R.K. Sudhanshu. Senior officers, including DGP Deepam Seth, Major General MPS Gill, and Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman, reviewed all options to reopen roads with BRO and PWD officials. The team also assessed the feasibility of heli-rescue operations under challenging weather conditions and planned logistics for deploying equipment and rescuers at ground zero. Meteorological forecasts were also discussed for operational planning.
Central Government Steps In with Air Support
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured full support from the Centre and is in constant touch with CM Dhami for updates. The Central Government has swiftly deployed air assets for the mission. Two Chinook helicopters have reached Jolly Grant Airport. Plans are in place to transport 50 NDRF personnel and their equipment to the disaster zone.
An MI-17 helicopter had to abort landing due to poor weather and returned to Sarsawa base. It will attempt to land again when conditions improve. In addition, five AN-32 aircraft carrying 115 Special Forces personnel have also reached Jolly Grant, standing by for deployment.
