Dehradun, August 24 – Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced financial aid of ₹5 lakh each for the families of victims who lost their lives and for people whose houses were destroyed in the Tharali disaster in Chamoli district. He also directed that the state government will cover treatment costs for the injured.
The announcement came after CM Dhami reviewed the rescue and relief operations at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) on Saturday night. The disaster was triggered by heavy rainfall on August 22, when a sudden surge in the Tunari seasonal stream spread debris across a wide area of Tharali. A 20-year-old woman was killed, another person is missing, and several homes, shops, the Tharali Tehsil office, and the SDM residence were destroyed. Around 150 people were relocated to safer ground.
The Chief Minister assured that the government stands firmly with the people of Tharali. He instructed relief teams to work on a war footing and said he is personally monitoring the operations. Families who lost their houses will receive ₹5 lakh in assistance, while the injured will be given full medical support. Dhami asked officials to ensure that disaster relief reaches all victims without delay.
He praised the swift response of the Chamoli administration, led by the District Magistrate, which enabled immediate rescue efforts. Stressing the need for long-term safety, Dhami suggested dredging and channelization of rivers running through populated areas to prevent debris accumulation during heavy rains.
The Chief Minister also called for a detailed scientific study of moraine deposits in the Himalayan region. He directed that teams from institutions such as the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), IITs, and the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) be formed to assess the issue. He added that the central government would be requested to conduct similar studies across all Himalayan states to improve disaster preparedness.
Meanwhile, Dhami ordered proper arrangements in relief camps, including food, clean water, milk for children, medicines, bedding, and sanitation facilities. He emphasized that all affected people in Tharali, Syanchatti, and nearby disaster-hit areas must receive adequate care.
The state government continues to assess the damage while expediting relief measures for the affected families.
