NEW DELHI: Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday reached ground zero in the disaster-hit Dharali region of Uttarkashi to oversee relief and rescue operations. Central and state agencies are working at a war footing to restore normalcy in the affected areas.Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to CM Dhami in the morning to enquire about the situation and the response measures being taken. “The state government is actively engaged in relief and rescue work,” Dhami told the PM, adding that all agencies are working together to ensure prompt support despite weather challenges. PM Modi assured full backing from the Centre.Dhami travelled to the region despite poor weather and met families affected by the disaster and reviewed the ongoing operations. “Restoring normalcy and ensuring aid reaches every affected person remains the state government’s top priority,” he said. He added that two helicopters have been deployed to supply food and essential relief materials to the area.To further strengthen efforts, the Centre has sent two Chinook and two MI-17 helicopters from Chandigarh, Sarsawa and Agra. These are being used to transport heavy equipment to Jolly Grant Airport to help restore road connectivity. Around 125 Army and 83 ITBP personnel are on the ground, with BRO teams clearing routes with the help of over 100 labourers.The state health department has reserved beds at Doon Medical College, Coronation District Hospital and AIIMS Rishikesh. Teams of specialist doctors, including psychiatrists, have been sent to provide care and trauma support in the region.Relief camps have been set up in Harsil and Jhala, while efforts to restore power and communication lines are in progress. Temporary bridges are also being constructed by NIM and SDRF teams. A senior coordination team with IAS and IPS officers has been deployed to streamline the overall response.
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