Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 29 Jun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the Uttarakhand State Emergency Operation Centre located at the IT Park here today to evaluate the situation arising from heavy rainfall across various regions of the state. It may be recalled that Uttarkashi today witnessed a cloudburst incident resulting in several workers missing. In view of the ongoing monsoon season, the CM directed the officials at the state as well as district level to remain on 24-hour alert for the next two months. He emphasised on the importance of consistent on ground presence by officials to supervise and ensure all necessary arrangements during this critical period.
Dhami also instructed all the District Magistrates concerned to implement comprehensive safety measures for pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra. He stressed upon the requirement to ensure uninterrupted availability of food, medicines, milk for children, and other essential supplies at all key locations. Considering the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall and the safety of pilgrims, the CM also announced a temporary halt to the Char Dham Yatra for the next 24 hours.
He further directed District Magistrates to relocate residents living near rivers and streams, especially in disaster-prone zones, to safer areas. He also urged that individuals staying in areas where infrastructure or construction work is ongoing be moved to secure locations. In view of today’s cloudburst incident in Barkot Tehsil in Uttarkashi, the CM instructed officials to intensify search and rescue operations for the missing labourers. Of the 29 labourers affected, 20 have been rescued safely, while two bodies have been recovered. The combined efforts of NDRF, SDRF and the district administration are continuing in the affected region. In addition, the Chief Minister emphasised the need to accelerate search efforts in connection with the vehicle accident that occurred in Rudraprayag district.
The CM also issued instructions to ensure maternal health during the monsoon directing the DMs to prepare and maintain a district-wise database of pregnant women, particularly those with due dates by the end of September. He emphasised the need for adequate planning to ensure such women are transported to hospitals in advance of delivery, with comprehensive measures in place to guarantee the safety of both mother and child.
During the review meeting, Dhami also sought feedback and updates from DMs regarding rainfall conditions, road infrastructure and the availability of basic facilities in their respective districts. He asserted that special focus be placed on prompt restoration of roads damaged by rain, and that sufficient deployment of JCB machines and necessary equipment must be ensured at high-risk locations. He also instructed the departments concerned to undertake precautionary measures such as river channelisation and embankment reinforcement in areas where rivers, nullahs and streams are likely to alter their course due to continuous downpours.
The review meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu, Secretaries Shailesh Bagoli and Vinod Kumar Suman, Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, IG, Garhwal, Rajeev Swaroop, Additional Secretary Banshidhar Tiwari, Additional Chief Executive Officer Anand Swaroop, and Rajkumar Negi. All the DMs from across the state also joined the meeting virtually and briefed the CM on the evolving situation and preparedness measures being taken in their regions.
