Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 2 Dec: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today asserted that the information shared by Col Ajay Kothiyal (Retd) is being considered seriously by the government. Responding to media persons at BJP State Headquarters here, today, party MLA and state spokesman Vinod Chamoli asserted that the government has undertaken all possible measures for relief and rescue operations in Tharali. However, the party assured that it would take seriously the observations of its senior and disaster rescue-experienced member, and would take appropriate action accordingly.
Chamoli also urged the opposition to refrain from making political statements before all facts are fully established.
Chamoli said the facts presented by Col Kothiyal regarding the Tharali disaster would be carefully deliberated on by the party, and the government would take appropriate decisions as necessary. Chamoli added that the party’s stance was clear that when a party worker raises an issue, the leadership takes cognisance of it. He added that the government however also relies on multiple sources to gather information and data, especially during disasters and that the priority remains saving the lives of the injured and affected. Unfortunately, compiling complete data on those who could not be saved often proves difficult. Chamoli referenced the Kedarnath disaster, highlighting how the exact casualty figures could not be definitively established. Similar challenges were present during the Tharali incident. Data sources include bodies recovered by rescue personnel, information provided by families of missing persons, reports from NDRF and SDRF teams, and missing person reports from commercial establishments in the area. All such information is collated by the district administration, forming the basis for the final casualty figures.
Chamoli emphasised that Col Kothiyal is not only a senior party member but also a disaster rescue expert who made significant contributions during the Kedarnath tragedy. If he holds additional information based on his expertise, the party leadership would engage with him for further discussion. Chamoli clarified that Kothiyal, being a soldier, spoke frankly about what he witnessed and felt. Nevertheless, many administrative and practical factors, which were not immediately mentioned by him, add complexity to the situation, causing his statement to appear somewhat one-sided. Chamoli claimed that the BJP takes each of its members seriously and the leadership will ensure a detailed discussion with Kothiyal regarding the basis of his comments about the disaster. Chamoli expressed hope that the government would also consider the matter seriously and take appropriate measures where improvements are possible.
Addressing statements made by the Congress in this connection particularly since Kothiyal’s statement went viral, Chamoli said that although the opposition was fulfilling its role, it should avoid making remarks without fully understanding the context. He stressed that this was not a political matter and that all information emerging would be duly considered by the government. As a responsible opposition, if Congress possesses any additional information, it should present it through the proper channels. Chamoli strongly urged that unnecessary statements or political theatrics that spread confusion and falsehoods must be avoided.
