Uttarakhand’s Dharali Rescue Operation: A Race Against Time
A mountain community battles the aftermath of a devastating disaster.-Following a recent calamity in Uttarkashi, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has provided updates on the ongoing rescue operation in Dharali. The state government’s top priority is ensuring the safety of all affected individuals. Despite challenging weather conditions, over 1000 people—including locals and pilgrims from across India—have been successfully rescued. Injured individuals are receiving quality medical care at the district hospital and AIIMS.
Swift Aid and Essential Supplies-The government has ensured an adequate supply of relief materials in Harsil and Dharali. Food, medicine, clothing, and milk are being distributed to prevent shortages. The UREDA power house has been reactivated to restore electricity, and UPCL is diligently repairing power lines. Mobile network connectivity has also been improved, and two 125 KV generator sets have been deployed to affected areas. These immediate actions are crucial for the well-being of the rescued and for ongoing recovery efforts.
Road to Recovery: Restoring Connectivity-Efforts are underway to quickly restore road connectivity in the Harsil region. Construction of a Bailey bridge in Gangnani is progressing rapidly. Repair work on landslide-affected roads is also being expedited, with the expectation that the road to Harsil will be fully operational by Tuesday. This restored access will significantly accelerate further relief and repair efforts, ensuring quicker aid delivery and access for repair crews.
Support for Affected Families: Immediate and Long-Term Aid-The state government is providing comprehensive support to affected families. Those who have suffered complete home damage will receive an immediate financial assistance of ₹500,000. Additionally, these families will receive a six-month supply of rations, providing crucial sustenance during their recovery. This combined approach of financial and material support aims to address both immediate needs and long-term stability.
Rehabilitation and Future Planning-To facilitate the rehabilitation and resettlement of villagers, a three-member committee headed by the Revenue Secretary has been formed. This committee will assess the damage and develop a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. The committee will also evaluate the impact on apple orchards to ensure fair compensation for affected farmers. The meticulous assessment will inform targeted aid and ensure long-term recovery.
Expanding Support Across Affected Regions-The Chief Minister has confirmed that those in Sainj and Bankura villages of Pauri whose homes have been damaged will also receive up to ₹500,000 in assistance. The state government is committed to providing support to all areas impacted by the disaster. This broad support demonstrates a commitment to equitable recovery across all affected areas.
Collaboration and Commitment-Chief Minister Dhami has expressed gratitude for the support pledged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The collaboration between the state and central governments is accelerating relief and rehabilitation efforts. This collaborative effort underscores the seriousness with which the crisis is being handled.
