Dehradun. Fresh from Delhi, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami proceeded directly to the State Emergency Operations Centre at IT Park to take stock of the ongoing rescue drive for trekkers and mountaineers marooned in Uttarakhand’s high‑altitude zones. He demanded a real‑time briefing and ordered that the safe return of every stranded person be treated as the utmost priority.
During the briefing, Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman reported that a total of 179 trekkers and mountaineers had been reported missing while undertaking high‑altitude treks across the state. Of these, 136 were located in Uttarkashi and 43 in the Pindari sector of Bageshwar.
The chief minister zeroed in on the Uttarkashi operation. Officials confirmed that 40 of the 136 individuals had already been evacuated safely. Another 40 had declined assistance, opting to continue their journey. The remaining trekkers will be rescued as soon as weather permits and the situation allows.
CM Dhami instructed that the safety of trekkers, mountaineers and their porters be given the highest priority. He called for any additional resources to be mobilised without delay and stressed seamless coordination among all agencies involved.
He was told that eight helicopters have been deployed for the mission. The CM ordered their immediate utilisation whenever required and directed that a helicopter‑ambulance be kept on standby to provide rapid medical aid to anyone in need.
The chief minister also spoke with the District Magistrate of Uttarkashi by phone to gauge on‑ground conditions. The magistrate reported that, given the prevailing weather, the evacuation of the remaining trekkers would resume at 06:00 hrs on Monday. Dhami urged the provision of all necessary logistics and continuous monitoring of the operation.
He reiterated that the safety of residents, tourists, pilgrims and trekkers in Uttarakhand remains a top government priority. All district magistrates and relevant departments were instructed to keep a close watch on vulnerable zones and to launch immediate relief and rescue actions whenever an emergency arises.
Review of Arrangements for the Char Dham Yatra
The meeting also covered the Char Dham pilgrimage. The CM examined existing facilities, safety protocols, cleanliness standards and other support services at the shrines and along the pilgrimage routes, urging continuous enhancements.
He placed special emphasis on instituting a permanent solid‑waste management system at major religious and tourist sites, including the Char Dham. With pilgrim footfall soaring, a long‑term waste‑handling plan that anticipates future needs was deemed essential.
The chief minister tasked the concerned departments with creating an integrated framework that guarantees cleanliness, environmental protection and convenience for pilgrims, while preserving Uttarakhand’s spiritual and natural heritage.
Finally, Dhami stressed that government machinery must respond swiftly during disasters, never compromising individual safety. He ordered constant weather monitoring and ensured that administration, police, SDRF and other agencies stay on high alert in danger‑prone areas.
Present at the meeting were Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman, Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swarup, and senior officials from the Disaster Management Department and related agencies.
