CM Dhami Leads Relief Ops in Flood-Hit Uttarkashi, Centre Assures Full Support

Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand: Despite ongoing heavy rainfall and difficult conditions, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday visited the disaster-hit Dharali area in Uttarkashi to review relief and rescue operations. He met affected families, assured them of full government support, and directed officials to speed up assistance to those in need.

According to an official statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), both state and central agencies are working together on a war footing to manage the crisis. The Chief Minister's Office also confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with CM Dhami over the phone on Wednesday morning to get an update on the situation.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami over the phone on Wednesday morning and inquired about the updated status of the natural disaster in Dharali and the relief and rescue operations being carried out," the CMO posted on social media platform X.

CM Dhami informed the Prime Minister that although heavy rains were causing some delays, all departments and personnel involved were working in close coordination to ensure timely help reaches those affected. PM Modi assured all possible assistance from the central government.

To enhance relief efforts, helicopters have been deployed to airlift essential supplies to the region. Two helicopters were used to deliver food and relief materials to Dharali. At the state's request, the Centre has sent two Chinook and two MI-17 helicopters from Chandigarh, Sarsawa, and Agra to Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport. These helicopters are also transporting heavy machinery to help restore road connectivity.

Currently, 125 Army officers and soldiers, 83 ITBP personnel, 6 BRO officers, and more than 100 labourers are working to open blocked roads and assist with rescue operations. Relief camps have been set up at Inter College Harshil, GMVN, and Jhala to provide shelter to displaced families.

Medical support is also a priority. The state Health Department has reserved beds at Doon Medical College, Coronation District Hospital, and AIIMS Rishikesh for those injured in the disaster. Specialist doctors and psychiatrists have been sent to Uttarkashi to offer both medical and psychological support.

Teams from the Army, ITBP, SDRF, police, and Revenue Department are also actively involved in relief work. Additionally, a temporary bridge is being constructed in Limchagad by NIM and SDRF teams to improve access.

To ensure smooth coordination, the state government has deployed three IAS officers, two Inspector Generals, and three SSP-level IPS officers to Uttarkashi.

Chief Minister Dhami emphasized that restoring normalcy and reaching every affected person with timely relief remains the state government’s top priority.