Garhwal Post Bureau
Uttarkashi, 7 Aug: Relief and rescue operations in the disaster-affected Dharali-Harsil region of Uttarkashi district are continuing on a war footing, with coordinated efforts led by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) Uttarakhand in collaboration with the Army, ITBP, NDRF, Air Force, local police, and the district administration. Today marks the third day since the natural disaster struck Dharali, and despite adverse weather and damaged roads obstructing access to ground zero, helicopter services have been deployed to accelerate rescue efforts. So far, six people have lost their lives and a large number remain missing. A total of 274 individuals have been safely evacuated from Gangotri and surrounding areas to Harsil, and all are reported to be in good health.
A VSAT has been transported to Matli via helicopter. It is expected to reach Harsil by this evening or tomorrow morning. Its installation will restore proper internet connectivity.
BRO, SDRF, and PWD teams have reached the broken bridge at Gangnani. The teams managed to reach the spot by vehicles after almost 48 hours. The Additional Secretary, PWD, has also arrived at the location.
It may be recalled that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami personally visited Dharali and Harsil yesterday and stayed back in Uttarkashi overnight in order to monitor the situation and interact with disaster victims
The SDRF, under the Uttarakhand Police, is spearheading the rescue operations with support from multiple agencies including the Indian Army. The operation gained momentum yesterday afternoon once the weather cleared, allowing helicopters to reach the affected areas. Two injured army personnel have been airlifted to higher medical centres.
Director General of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Lieutenant General Raghu Srinivasan, reminded that the distance from the current base to Dharali is approximately 96 kilometres, with four major landslide points and one destroyed bridge along the route. BRO personnel and machinery have been deployed for the past two days, and efforts are underway to restore road connectivity. Srinivasan expressed hope that connectivity would be re-established within hours and that bridge construction could commence within a day. He added that the road to Harsil could be reopened within three days, and that both restoration of the old road and construction of a new route are being considered, depending on feasibility.
Helicopter services, including Chinook and MI-17, are being utilised to airlift dozens of people from Dharali-Harsil to the ITBP Matli camp and the Jolly Grant helipad in Dehradun. The Bhatwari road, which had remained closed for 48 hours due to complete collapse, has now been reopened by carving a new route through the mountains. BRO teams have reached the site with a valley bridge to rebuild the Gangnani bridge, while SDRF and PWD personnel have also arrived at the damaged location. The Additional Secretary of PWD is present at the site to oversee progress.
Under the leadership and continuous guidance of Chief Minister Dhami, relief materials including drinking water, medicines, and food grains are being delivered to stranded individuals via helicopters. The government has prioritised the safety of every citizen, ensuring timely medical assistance and fulfilment of essential needs. SDRF teams are reaching even the most remote and hilly areas, often at great personal risk, to ensure that relief reaches every affected person. The state government remains committed to providing relief, rescue, and rehabilitation on a priority basis and stands firmly with every citizen during this hour of crisis.
A high-level meeting of the National Disaster Management Authority was convened to review the rescue operations in Dharali. Officials from the Army, Air Force, ITBP, BRO, Meteorological Department, and NDRF participated online from Delhi. The meeting focused on coordination and acceleration of rescue efforts. BRO Director General Srinivasan reiterated the challenges posed by landslides and the destroyed bridge and reaffirmed the organisation’s readiness to restore connectivity swiftly.
Meanwhile, the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology has announced plans to study the disaster in the Kheer Ganga area of Uttarkashi district. Director Vineet Gehlot stated that the institute will also conduct a detailed study of the Dharali disaster. Discussions have been held with scientists, and a team will be dispatched to the site once road access is restored and conditions stabilise. The institute aims to identify the causes of the disaster through technical analysis and geological assessment.
