Daijiworld Media Network- Uttarkashi
Uttarkashi, Aug 8: Rescue operations in the disaster-hit Dharali region of Uttarkashi gained momentum on Friday, with authorities evacuating 80 more stranded pilgrims since morning. The operation, led by ITBP, saw the rescued individuals brought to the Matli helipad as damaged roads continued to hamper ground access.
With the Gangotri National Highway and several rural roads breached at multiple points, the focus remains on air support. Chinook and Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force, along with aircraft from the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Authority, are ferrying food supplies, dredging equipment, and other essentials to the affected areas.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, camping at the district headquarters for the past few days, reviewed the situation on Friday morning. He said rescue efforts are being carried out on a war footing to ensure safe evacuation of all stranded persons, while restoration of roads, power, communication, and food supply is being expedited.
Officials confirmed that advanced machinery is being flown into Dharali to clear mounds of debris in the search for missing persons. Relief operations are expected to continue until normalcy is restored.