All Departments to Remain on 24×7 Alert Mode: CM Dhami

Chief Minister Directs Immediate Restoration of Essential Services, Swift Road Clearance, and Helicopter Readiness Amid Orange Alert

Dehradun: In view of the Orange Alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for most districts of Uttarakhand and the continuous heavy rainfall across the state since Monday night, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an early morning review of the prevailing situation on Tuesday.

The Chief Minister sought a detailed briefing from Secretary, Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, Vinod Kumar Suman, on the rainfall situation across the state, blocked roads, river water levels, waterlogging, relief and rescue operations, and the preparedness of district administrations.

All Departments Must Function in 24×7 Alert Mode

Chief Minister Dhami directed all departments to work in close coordination and remain on 24×7 alert mode to ensure there is no delay in responding to any disaster or emergency.

He instructed officials to take immediate action on every report received and ensure timely deployment of manpower, machinery, and essential resources in affected areas. He also asked District Magistrates and senior departmental officers to visit the field personally, assess the situation on the ground, and closely monitor relief and rescue operations.

Priority to Reopening Blocked Roads

The Chief Minister instructed authorities to restore traffic on roads blocked due to landslides and heavy rainfall on a priority basis. He directed officials to ensure adequate availability of JCBs, poklane excavators, bulldozers, and other heavy machinery so that road connectivity can be restored at the earliest without hampering rescue operations.

Helicopter Services to Remain on Standby

To facilitate immediate assistance in remote and disaster-affected regions, the Chief Minister directed that helicopter services remain on full alert. He said helicopters should be ready for rapid deployment whenever required to carry out rescue missions and deliver relief supplies to inaccessible areas.

Immediate Restoration of Essential Services

The Chief Minister also instructed departments concerned to restore electricity, drinking water supply, and communication services on the highest priority wherever these are disrupted due to heavy rainfall or landslides, ensuring that public inconvenience is minimized.

Safety of Char Dham Pilgrims a Top Priority

Emphasizing the safety of Char Dham pilgrims and other travellers, the Chief Minister directed authorities to halt movement at safe locations whenever heavy rainfall or landslides pose a threat. Pilgrims should be allowed to proceed only after weather conditions improve and routes are declared safe.

Disaster Management Minister and Chief Secretary Review Situation

Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Minister Madan Kaushik and Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan also reviewed the rain situation with Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman.

They directed all State and District Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs) to remain operational round the clock and continuously monitor every incident, ensuring prompt and coordinated action during any emergency.

Secretary Reviews Preparedness with District Officials

Following the Chief Minister’s directions, Secretary, Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, Vinod Kumar Suman, chaired a virtual meeting with officials from all districts to review the prevailing situation.

He instructed District Magistrates to maintain heightened vigilance in vulnerable areas, regularly review relief and rescue operations, and ensure swift response to any emergency. He also emphasized close coordination among all departments for effective disaster management.

Suman informed that the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) is monitoring the situation across Uttarakhand 24×7 and maintaining constant coordination with all District Emergency Operation Centres, District Magistrates, and line departments.

The meeting was attended by SCEO Administration Prakash Chandra, SCEO Operations DIG Rajkumar Negi, JCEO Dinesh Kumar Punetha, SEOC In-charge Pratibha Purohit, and other senior officials.

Orange Alert Issued for Several Districts on July 29 and 30

According to the district-wise weather warning issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Dehradun, Orange Alerts have been issued for several districts of Uttarakhand on July 29 and July 30.

The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, and spells of extremely intense rainfall in various parts of the state.

Orange Alert for July 29

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in:

• Dehradun
• Tehri Garhwal
• Rudraprayag
• Chamoli
• Bageshwar
• Nainital
• Champawat
• Udham Singh Nagar

These districts may also experience thunderstorms, lightning, and intense spells of rainfall.

Orange Alert for July 30

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in:

• Bageshwar
• Champawat
• Pithoragarh

Heavy rainfall is also likely in:

• Uttarkashi
• Dehradun
• Pauri Garhwal
• Tehri Garhwal
• Nainital

Public Advisory

The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) has directed all district administrations to remain fully alert and prepared.

Residents and Char Dham pilgrims have been advised to:

• Follow weather updates and official advisories issued by the IMD and district administrations.
• Avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall.
• Stay away from landslide-prone slopes, rivers, streams, and waterlogged areas.
• Cooperate with local authorities and follow all safety instructions in case of emergencies.
• Rely only on official information and avoid spreading or believing rumours.

Authorities have reiterated that public safety remains the highest priority and that all government departments are on high alert to respond swiftly to any weather-related emergency.