Dehradun (Rajeev Sharma): As torrential rainfall wreaked havoc in Uttarkashi and surrounding regions this week, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has taken charge of statewide relief and rescue efforts, ensuring rapid deployment of resources and timely evacuations from flood-affected zones.
The deluge began on August 5 with reports of flash floods and landslides emerging from the Dharali-Uttarkashi and Harsil sectors. CM Dhami, who was away on an official trip to Tirupati at the time, swiftly directed state agencies to launch rescue missions on an emergency basis. Within hours, joint teams comprising the Army, NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, Fire Services, and local police were activated. The Chief Minister cut short his visit and returned to Dehradun to oversee operations.
Over 270 People Rescued as Multi-Agency Operation Continues
By the evening of August 5, more than 130 people had been safely evacuated. Responding to escalating concerns, CM Dhami arrived at the State Emergency Operation Center and issued orders to ensure an uninterrupted supply of essentials like food, water, and shelter to displaced individuals.
In light of reports regarding a potential lake formation in Harsil, he appealed for urgent support from senior military officials and requested the Air Force to deploy MI-17 helicopters to assist with airlifting and supply drops in cut-off areas.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended his full backing during a telephonic conversation with the CM, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reached out personally to assure all necessary central support.
Senior Officials Deployed; Rs 20 Crore Released for Relief
To enhance administrative coordination, the government appointed Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey as the nodal officer. Former district magistrates of Uttarkashi, Dr. Mehrban Singh Bisht, Abhishek Rohilla, and Gaurav Kumar, were brought in to support local response teams, along with Additional Secretary Vineet Kumar, who was tasked with ground coordination.
To bolster security and rescue coverage, the government mobilized over 300 personnel, including top-ranking officers from Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri, and Tehri. That same evening, Rs 20 crore was allocated from the State Disaster Response Fund to accelerate relief measures.
CM Dhami Reaches Flood Zones, Military Joins Operations
On August 6, braving difficult weather, CM Dhami reached Dharali to meet flood victims and monitor field operations. Injured soldiers were evacuated—two via air and two by road to AIIMS Rishikesh. A temporary bridge was being constructed in Limchagad with the help of NIM and SDRF teams.
The Air Force deployed two Chinook and two MI-17 helicopters from bases in Chandigarh, Sarsawa, and Agra to Jolly Grant Airport. The Chinooks were instrumental in transporting heavy machinery into inaccessible areas.
Meanwhile, the Health Department designated beds at major hospitals, including AIIMS Rishikes,h and sent specialized teams to the flood-affected region.
Mass Evacuations Underway as Helicopter Services Expand
Relief camps were quickly set up in Harsil, Jhala, and nearby locations. Restoration of electricity and communication infrastructure was prioritized, with equipment airlifted to blocked areas.
On August 7, chopper services began between Matli and Harsil. Eight helicopters operated by UCADA shuttled stranded pilgrims and tourists to safety at the ITBP Matli camp. By afternoon, 274 people had been rescued, many of them tourists from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and other states. A 125 kVA generator was also flown into Harsil to bring back the power supply.
By the evening, 135 evacuees had begun their journey back home.
CM Expands Oversight to Pauri District
CM Dhami later traveled to Pauri district, visiting Sainji village to inspect damages, distribute relief aid, and interact with affected families. He also conducted an aerial survey over Bankuda in Thalisain Tehsil to assess further risks.
Throughout the day, Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan monitored developments from the State Emergency Operation Center, ensuring uninterrupted coordination between field teams and government agencies.
With operations ongoing, the state remains on high alert as efforts continue to evacuate stranded individuals and restore normalcy across flood-hit areas.
