Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) [India], August 6 (ANI): In the wake of a devastating cloudburst near Dharali, close to Harsil in Uttarkashi, the Indian Army has launched a swift and coordinated Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operation. The region has been completely cut off from both the north and south due to multiple road breaches and a collapsed bridge, severely impacting access and mobility.
Over 225 Army personnel, including infantry and engineering teams, have been deployed for search, rescue, and relief efforts. Combat engineers have reached Dharali to clear debris and help restore connectivity. As of 3 pm, seven teams of the Indian Army were operating with Reeco Radar near Tekla, while search and rescue dogs were deployed in Harsil, with more en route from Remount and Veterinary Centres.
The military helipad at Harsil is operational, enabling better logistical coordination. Three civilian helicopters from Sahastradhara, coordinated with SDRF, have successfully landed at Bhatwari and Harsil for casualty evacuation and relief material delivery. Meanwhile, Chinook, Mi-17, and ALH helicopters are on standby at Jolly Grant, Chandigarh, and Sarsawa for troop and material airlift, awaiting tasking clearance.
According to the Indian Army and Civil Administration, three people have been confirmed dead, while over 50 persons are reported missing. Among them are nine Army personnel, including one Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and eight jawans. Key road stretches near Bartwari, Linchigad, and Gangrani have been washed away, causing severe disruptions. The civil helipad at Dharali remains non-functional due to a mudslide.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that approximately 190 people have been rescued from Dharali so far. Speaking to ANI, he stated that the disaster had struck the entire region with full force, destroying infrastructure and homes. “After yesterday’s incident, debris has come in several phases. I met the affected people, took stock of the situation, and saw that everything has been destroyed,” he said.
Chief Minister Dhami emphasized that both the Centre and state government are committed to the rescue and rehabilitation efforts. “The injured are being rescued and taken to Uttarkashi. Roads are blocked due to landslides, and restoring electricity and mobile networks is proving to be a major challenge,” he said. “Despite bad weather, we’re working to fully restore essential services.”
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister attempted twice to reach Dharali before finally succeeding on the third attempt. He held a disaster management meeting at the State Emergency Operations Centre and conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas, including a stop at the Joshiyada helipad in Uttarkashi.
In a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), it was confirmed that central and state agencies are working on a war footing. Essential food items and relief supplies were air-dropped in Dharali using two helicopters. “The priority of the government is to restore normalcy and ensure aid reaches every affected individual,” the statement said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Chief Minister Dhami and assured full support from the central government. “The Prime Minister is in constant touch, and under his guidance, we are fully committed to helping the disaster victims,” Dhami said.
To expedite operations, two Chinook and two Mi-17 helicopters from Chandigarh, Sarsawa, and Agra have been deployed. These helicopters are transporting heavy machinery to assist in restoring road connectivity. The joint rescue force includes 125 Army personnel, 83 ITBP personnel, and six BRO officers, along with over 100 workers engaged in clearing blocked roads.
The state Health Department has reserved beds at Doon Medical College, Coronation District Hospital, and AIIMS Rishikesh for the injured. Specialist doctors, including psychiatrists, have been dispatched to Uttarkashi to assist victims.
Relief camps have been set up at Inter College Harshil, GMVN, and Jhala. Teams from the Army, ITBP, SDRF, police, and revenue department are actively working on rescue missions. Additionally, NIM and SDRF teams have started constructing a temporary bridge at Limchagad to restore connectivity.
The state government has also deployed three IAS officers, two Inspectors General, and three Senior Superintendents of Police to coordinate and accelerate ongoing relief efforts in the region.
The situation remains critical, but rescue and relief operations continue with urgency and coordinated support from both state and central agencies. (ANI)
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