Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand (Rajeev Sharma): More than 1,000 people, including pilgrims from across the country, have been rescued following flash floods and mudslides in Uttarkashi district, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed on Saturday.
Addressing the media, CM Dhami said, “All devotees and tourists stranded in the affected areas have been evacuated. Those injured have been shifted to hospitals for treatment. Connectivity in Harsil, which was completely cut off, was restored yesterday. By this evening, a Bailey bridge will be installed near Lachi Gad, enabling road reconstruction towards Harsil.”
The Chief Minister also announced extended support for families impacted by the disaster. “We have decided to provide rations for six months to affected households. A three-member committee headed by the Revenue Secretary will assess the damage and plan rehabilitation. Relief packages will be provided to those in need,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Dhami met Governor Lieutenant General (Retd.) Gurmit Singh at Raj Bhavan in Dehradun to review the ongoing relief measures in Dharali and Harsil. In a post on X, the Chief Minister shared details of the meeting, highlighting discussions on disaster response and rehabilitation plans.
Health Secretary R Rajesh Kumar reported that medical teams were treating patients in Dharali, with 28 ambulances stationed for emergency response.
According to official figures, combined efforts by the Indian Army, ITBP, NDRF, and SDRF have led to the rescue of 816 civilians from Dharali and Harsil since the calamity began.
The state government continues to coordinate relief and reconstruction efforts, with priority given to restoring infrastructure, medical aid, and long-term rehabilitation for those affected.