Indian Army leads multi-agency rescue under Operation Dharali in Uttarakhand

The Indian Army, in coordination with the Indian Air Force, SDRF, NDRF, ITBP, BRO, and civil administration, is spearheading large-scale rescue and relief operations in the flood- and landslide-affected areas of Dharali and Harsil under Operation Dharali.

Dharali remains entirely cut off due to widespread landslides, but road clearance work has reached Limchigad, where the construction of a Bailey Bridge is underway. The bridge is expected to be completed by Friday evening.

Favourable weather conditions in Matli and Harsil, including clear skies, have supported ongoing rescue operations. However, poor visibility and rain over Dehradun have temporarily delayed several air sorties.

“So far, a total of 357 civilians have been rescued, with 119 airlifted to Dehradun. Rescue teams on the ground include Indian Army columns, combat engineers, medical units, and specialised Search and Rescue (SAR) dog squads. The NDRF has deployed 105 personnel, working in tandem with SDRF and ITBP teams, including medical officers stationed in Harsil and Dharali,” said the Indian Army in a statement.

Army doctors, nursing assistants, and combat medics are providing medical assistance at transit locations. Among those evacuated are 13 Army personnel, while eight soldiers from the 14 Rajputana Rifles are still missing. As per the civil administration, around 100 civilians remain unaccounted for, and two civilian deaths have been confirmed.

On August 7, a total of 68 helicopter sorties were carried out — six by the Indian Air Force, seven by the Army, and 55 by civil helicopters. A heli-bridging network has been activated between Dehradun, Harsil, Matli, and Dharasu ALG, supported by C-295 aircraft ferrying supplies, rescue personnel, and civilians.

A Communication Control Room has been set up by the Army in Harsil, ensuring satellite and Wi-Fi connectivity for coordination. Efforts by BSNL and Airtel are underway to restore public mobile networks in the region.

Senior military leaders, including the General Officer Commanding, Uttar Bharat Area, and the Commander of the 9 (Independent) Mountain Brigade, are stationed in Harsil to monitor operations and facilitate coordination between military and civil agencies.

“The planned actions for August 8, 2025, include the launch of a Bailey Bridge at Limchigad to restore vital road connectivity, the aerial induction of critical relief materials and equipment, continued search operations in Harsil and nearby areas, and the evacuation of remaining stranded civilians by air from Harsil to Matli and Dehradun,” the Army added.

The Indian Army reiterated its commitment to the affected population, stating it continues to work around the clock alongside other agencies to overcome terrain challenges and adverse weather.