Uttarakhand CM Dhami oversees intensified relief efforts in Dharali-Harsil flood-hit region

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami continued to monitor the ongoing relief and rescue operations in the flood-affected Dharali-Harsil valley for the second consecutive day on Friday, following a devastating cloudburst in Uttarkashi earlier this week.

He instructed officials to expedite the restoration of essential services such as road connectivity, communication networks, electricity, and food supply.

Emphasising the urgency, CM Dhami stated that the government was making every effort to ensure the safe evacuation of all affected individuals and to "restore normal life as quickly as possible".

Relief efforts have gained momentum with the deployment of aerial resources. Helicopters are transporting stranded people from remote locations to the Matli helipad, from where further travel arrangements have been put in place.

In a coordinated response, the Indian Air Force (IAF) mobilised key assets including Chinook and Mi-17V5 helicopters, along with C-295 and AN-32 transport aircraft.

So far, 226 civilians have been evacuated, while 130 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed in the affected areas. Approximately 20 tonnes of relief supplies have also been delivered. The IAF confirmed its resources remain on standby to support ongoing operations in the coming days.

The Indian Army contributed significantly on Thursday by restoring vital communication systems. Army teams successfully set up satellite and radio relay systems, which allowed stranded residents to connect with their families through satellite internet. Additionally, a temporary footbridge has been constructed across the Bhagirathi River between Dharali and Mukhawa village to facilitate movement.

CM Dhami announced his decision to contribute one month’s salary towards the disaster relief fund. His office confirmed that the state government is carrying out relief and rescue efforts on a "war footing". He also appealed to public representatives, officials, NGOs, and citizens to "cooperate" in the relief work "according to their capacity".

Meanwhile, the SDRF reported that 21 more civilians who were stranded in Gangotri were airlifted from Nelong to Harsil by helicopter on Thursday.