Uttarakhand CM meets rescue team before Uttarkashi deployment; Badrinath highway blocked near Pipalkoti

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday interacted with rescue personnel in Uttarkashi ahead of their deployment to areas severely impacted by the recent cloudburst and heavy rainfall.

The Chief Minister met the teams engaged in relief and rescue operations, offered words of encouragement, and dispatched them to the disaster-hit regions.

As the state continues to grapple with monsoon-induced devastation, access to affected zones remains a significant challenge.

In Chamoli, the Badrinath National Highway has been blocked near Pipalkoti due to debris falling from the hillsides, disrupting movement along this vital route. According to Chamoli Police, clearance operations are underway to restore traffic and ensure connectivity.

In Uttarkashi district, fresh visuals from Bhatwari — en route to Dharali — reveal extensively damaged and blocked roads, underscoring the scale of destruction caused by the cloudburst and resulting landslides. The challenging terrain has slowed the pace of relief work in remote areas.

Massive Multi-Agency Rescue in Dharali Underway

On Wednesday, approximately 190 individuals were successfully evacuated from Dharali following a devastating cloudburst that unleashed flash floods and landslides across the region.

The large-scale operation involved coordinated efforts by the Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and local volunteers.

Rescue and relief operations remain ongoing with full force. Over 200 Army personnel, including infantry and engineering units, have been deployed on the ground to assist in rescue tasks and deliver emergency aid. Combat engineering teams have also reached Dharali to help clear debris and restore road connectivity.

Government Ensures Relief for Affected Residents

Chief Minister Dhami, who visited the affected areas on Wednesday, reiterated the government’s full commitment to supporting victims of the disaster. He stated that both the state and central governments are actively working to ensure proper arrangements for those impacted by the calamity.

The Chief Minister added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally assured all possible assistance from the Centre, reinforcing the joint response to the disaster with a promise of timely support and rehabilitation.