A large-scale rescue and relief operation is underway in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, following a devastating cloudburst and mudslide. Teams from the Indian Army, NDRF, ITBP, SDRF, Uttarakhand Police, and the local administration are working round the clock to evacuate stranded people and provide emergency aid.
Multiple individuals who were trapped near Dharali in the affected region have been airlifted to the Matli helipad. Two seriously injured persons have been referred to AIIMS Rishikesh for advanced medical care.
Providing an update, Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey said that helicopter operations have begun, with two sorties from Harsil already airlifting 9-10 evacuees. He further informed that an IAF Chinook helicopter will soon fly out from Jolly Grant Airport carrying NDRF personnel and essential supplies for ongoing rescue efforts in Harsil.
“Our first priority is to evacuate pilgrims from Gangotri Dham. Field offices have been established by the District Magistrate and SSP, and technical teams are already present at the site,” Pandey added.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is currently in Uttarkashi, personally overseeing the rescue efforts.
“The road from Uttarkashi to Harsil is severely damaged, and reconstruction will take time. We aim to restore normalcy within a couple of days,” Pandey said.
Among those rescued were pilgrims from Jalgaon, Maharashtra, who expressed deep gratitude to the armed forces, police, and local villagers.
Anamika Mehra, one of the evacuees, recalled the harrowing experience.
“We were on our way to Gangotri when the disaster struck near Dharali. The Indian Army and Uttarakhand Police responded quickly. Local villagers offered us shelter and support. I am grateful for the heli-rescue and salute the Uttarakhand government,” she said.
Her relative Rupesh Mehra echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the blocked roads and crediting rescue helicopters and government agencies for their safe evacuation.
Arohi Mehra, another family member, shared her fear during the incident, but said the presence of Indian soldiers gave her strength.
Meanwhile, Jalgaon District Collector Ayush Prasad reported that 16 people from Jalgaon remain untraceable, out of 19 known to be in Uttarkashi.
“Contact has been established with three individuals. Efforts are ongoing to trace the remaining 16, with full cooperation from the Uttarakhand authorities,” Prasad stated.
The Maharashtra government and Jalgaon administration are actively coordinating with Uttarakhand authorities to locate the missing and assist the families.
Rescue operations continue across the affected region, with teams racing against time to ensure the safety and well-being of all stranded individuals.
