Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday conducted an on-ground review of relief and rescue operations in Dharali, Uttarkashi, pledging that every affected person would be evacuated safely and normal life restored swiftly.
In his morning update, CM Dhami said the rescue mission was operating on a war footing, with MI-17 and Chinook helicopters pressed into service to airlift stranded civilians and security personnel. &ldquo;With the Centre&rsquo;s support under PM Modi's guidance, we are working round the clock to restore roads, electricity, communication, and ensure food supply,&rdquo; he said.
The situation remains critical following the August 5 cloudburst that triggered flash floods and landslides, leaving at least 50 civilians, eight jawans, and a Junior Commissioned Officer missing. The disaster has rendered major road links at Bartwari, Linchigad, Gangrani, Harsil, and Dharali inaccessible, complicating relief efforts.
The Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are providing stranded tourists and locals with food, medical assistance, and shelter. Tourists are being evacuated from the Nelong helipad, now operational and connected to Gangotri, while the Dharali civil helipad remains blocked by a mudslide.
In addition to aerial rescues, search and rescue dogs have been deployed in key areas to help locate missing persons. Despite weather and terrain challenges, restoration work continues at pace, with the CM personally monitoring progress.
The Uttarkashi operations follow CM Dhami&rsquo;s visit to Pauri Garhwal a day earlier, where he assessed the widespread destruction caused by a separate cloudburst. He directed officials to accelerate relief delivery and assured families of full government support.

Helicopters, Army, and ITBP in full force to rescue stranded after Uttarkashi cloudburst

CM Dhami Leads Uttarkashi Rescue Efforts

Helicopters, Army, and ITBP in full force to rescue stranded after Uttarkashi cloudburst

August 8, 2025 | 09:44 IST