Uttarakhand Govt Launches Swift Relief And Rescue Operations After Uttarkashi Disaster; Check Details

In the wake of the devastating natural disaster that struck Dharali-Uttarkashi and Harsil on 05 August 2025, the Uttarakhand government launched an immediate and large-scale rescue and relief operation under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

From issuing urgent directives while on tour in Andhra Pradesh to personally reaching ground zero within hours, the Chief Minister ensured a swift, multi-agency response.

With the coordinated efforts of the Army, NDRF, SDRF, police, fire services, ITBP, and support from the Centre, the state administration worked around the clock to rescue hundreds, restore essential services, and provide critical aid to those affected.

This report outlines the key decisions and actions taken by the government from 05 to 07 August 2025, showcasing a robust and timely disaster management response.

Here are the Major Steps Taken by the Uttarakhand Government During the Disaster

01. On receiving reports of loss of life and property due to the disaster in Dharali-Uttarkashi and Harsil on 05 August 2025, Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami issued immediate instructions from Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) to start rescue and relief operations on a war footing. The district administration began efforts in coordination with the Army, NDRF, SDRF, Police, Fire Department, and ITBP. The Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Home Affairs were informed.

02. Chief Minister Dhami cancelled his Andhra Pradesh tour and arrived at the State Emergency Operation Center, Dehradun, on the evening of 05 August 2025 to assess the ongoing operations. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with the CM and assured all possible assistance.

03. By the evening of 05 August, more than 130 people had been rescued. The CM directed authorities to ensure proper arrangements for food, drinking water, and shelter. Upon receiving reports of lake formation in the Harsil area, senior Army officers were instructed to take appropriate action. The Air Force’s MI-17 helicopters were requested for rescue operations and airlifting victims.

04. On 05 August, the government appointed Garhwal Commissioner Shri Vinay Shankar Pandey as the nodal officer for the disaster. Former District Magistrates of Uttarkashi — Dr. Mehrban Singh Bisht, Shri Abhishek Rohilla, and Shri Gaurav Kumar — were assigned key responsibilities. Additional Secretary Shri Vineet Kumar was instructed to camp in Uttarkashi.

05. Also on 05 August, two IGPs, three SPs, one Commandant, and 11 Deputy SPs, along with 300 police personnel, were sent from Dehradun to Uttarkashi. 140 personnel from the Special Disaster Unit of the 40th Battalion PAC and IRB Second Battalion Dehradun were deployed. Additionally, 160 police personnel, from constables to inspectors, were mobilized from Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri, and Tehri.

06. On the night of 05 August, the government released ₹20 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund. A team of secretaries from various departments was directed to reach Dharali-Harsil by 06 August 2025.

07. On the morning of 06 August, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke with CM Dhami and assured full central support. Despite adverse weather conditions, the CM reached Dharali, met with affected families, assured them of help, and reviewed ongoing relief efforts. He also interacted with the rescue personnel and stressed the timely delivery of relief material.

08. On the request of the state government, the Centre deployed two Chinook and two MI-17 helicopters from Chandigarh, Sarsawa, and Agra, which arrived at Jolly Grant Airport on 06 August. Chinook helicopters were tasked with transporting heavy equipment to restore road connectivity. The Health Department reserved beds at Doon Medical College, Coronation District Hospital, and AIIMS Rishikesh, and sent specialist doctors to Uttarkashi.

09. The district administration set up relief camps at Inter College Harsil, GMVN, and Jhala. Restoration work began on electricity and communication networks. NIM and SDRF initiated the construction of a temporary bridge at Limchagad.

10. On 06 August, CM Dhami conducted a ground inspection in Uttarkashi and instructed officials to remain on high alert. At Harsil, he met with victims and assured them of full support. The rescue team evacuated ten Army personnel, including a Lieutenant Colonel, from Dharali. Two injured soldiers were airlifted to higher centres, while two others were transported by road to AIIMS Rishikesh.

11. CM Dhami stayed overnight in Uttarkashi on 06 August. At the District Emergency Operation Center, he reviewed rescue operations. Given road blockages, he ordered the airlifting of heavy equipment. He also reviewed disaster situations in other districts and issued necessary instructions.

12. On 07 August, a shuttle helicopter service between Matli (Uttarkashi) and Harsil was launched. Eight helicopters from UCADA were deployed. Affected people were transported to the ITBP Matli camp via helicopter. The CM met the rescued individuals and visited patients admitted to Uttarkashi hospital. Chief Secretary Shri Anand Vardhan monitored relief efforts from the State Emergency Operation Center, Dehradun.

13. By the afternoon of 07 August, 274 people had been successfully brought from Gangotri and surrounding areas to Harsil. Their breakdown is as follows:

131 from Gujarat

123 from Maharashtra

21 from Madhya Pradesh

12 from Uttar Pradesh

7 from Delhi

6 from Rajasthan

5 from Assam

5 from Karnataka

3 from Telangana

1 from Punjab

By evening, an additional 135 people had been rescued and sent to their destinations. The 274 rescued individuals in Harsil were provided shelter. To restore power, a 125 kVA generator was airlifted from Dehradun Airport to Harsil.

14. On 07 August, CM Dhami visited the disaster-affected Sainji area in Pauri district and conducted a ground inspection. He met with the affected families, distributed relief funds, and conducted an aerial survey of Bankuda in Thalisain Tehsil and other impacted regions.