Dehradun, August 10(HS): On the sixth day of the Dharali disaster, adverse weather conditions delayed helicopter services between Matli and Harsil in Uttarkashi until 10 a.m. Operations resumed thereafter. In a bid to ensure safe aerial relief missions, the government has announced plans to launch Weather Observation Flights to assess in-flight visibility and guide helicopter movements.
Meanwhile, at Telgada Gad, floodwaters from the Ganga River have been obstructed by debris, creating a temporary lake with ongoing seepage. According to the District Magistrate, water from this lake will be gradually released to prevent downstream flooding risks. Search operations for individuals trapped under debris remain underway.
Under the large-scale relief mission, more than 260 helicopter sorties have been carried out so far. Eight helicopters are currently operating from the Matli helipad, supplemented by Army Chinook, MI, ALH, and Cheetah aircraft from Chinyalisaur airstrip. Essential relief supplies are being transported to Harsil, and stranded civilians are being airlifted back to Matli in return flights.
Rescue operations have successfully evacuated people trapped in Gangotri, Jhala, Dharali, Bagori, Jaspur, and Harsil. Fourteen injured victims are still receiving treatment — some at Matli in Uttarkashi, others at AIIMS Rishikesh, Dehradun, and the district hospital. Health Secretary R. Rajesh Kumar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing the best possible care, with medical camps offering free check-ups in affected areas.
A total of 229 officials and personnel from the Indian Army, ITBP, BRO, Fire Services, Police, NDRF, SDRF, and the civil administration remain engaged in search and rescue efforts. The Gangotri National Highway remains submerged near Telgada Gad due to the debris-formed lake, with Border Roads Organisation and the Public Works Department working to restore connectivity to Dharali. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed confidence that vehicular access will be restored by Tuesday and confirmed that teams continue to search for missing persons and clear debris.
The Meteorological Department has issued a heavy to very heavy rainfall alert for certain districts of Uttarakhand. Bageshwar, Dehradun, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh are likely to see intense rainfall, while heavy showers are also possible in Tehri, Pauri, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, and Champawat. Authorities remain on high alert as relief operations proceed in parallel with weather monitoring.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
