Dehradun. In light of the Red and Orange weather warnings issued by the state’s Meteorological Department, Uttarakhand’s administration has stepped up surveillance and relief‑rescue measures across rain‑hit districts. Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan arrived at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) late Sunday evening to assess the deluge, intense downpours, and their cascading impacts throughout the state. He ordered all ministries to cooperate closely and stay on heightened alert around the clock.
Key Directives from the SEOC Review
During the briefing, the Chief Secretary requested district updates on precipitation levels, river discharges, road closures, landslide‑prone zones, ongoing rescue missions, and the status of power, water and communication networks. He instructed District Magistrates to compile comprehensive damage reports and forward them promptly to the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) to accelerate relief and rehabilitation.
Road‑Repair Campaign by Mid‑October
Following Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s orders, the Chief Secretary directed every district to finish a pothole‑free road initiative by 15 October. Authorities must also evaluate damage to public assets, tally any loss of life, and ensure that affected residents receive compensation in line with existing guidelines.
Char Dham Pilgrimage Contingent on Weather
The safety of pilgrims was emphasized as the top priority for the Char Dham Yatra. The pilgrimage will proceed only after a thorough assessment of prevailing weather conditions. If heavy rain or blocked routes arise, pilgrims are to be halted at secure points and provided with essential amenities until travel can safely resume.
Officials were also tasked with continuous monitoring of river levels and issuing pre‑emptive alerts to downstream communities should dams or barrages release water.
Focused Care for Vulnerable Populations
Special attention must be given to pregnant women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and those with serious illnesses during the ongoing rains. Pregnant residents in high‑risk zones should be relocated to safe shelters or medical facilities as needed, with helicopter evacuation arranged where necessary.
To curb a potential dengue surge, district hospitals, community health centres, and primary health centres are directed to maintain sufficient stocks of test kits, medicines, blood, beds, and staff.
Helicopter Rescue Mission for Stranded Trekkers
The Chief Secretary also evaluated rescue operations for trekkers trapped on high‑altitude routes in Uttarkashi and Bageshwar. He ordered the launch of a helicopter‑based evacuation at 06:00 hours on 28 September.
The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has been instructed to mobilise an adequate fleet of helicopters and, if required, deploy additional aircraft. Continuous contact with the stranded trekkers must be maintained, with regular checks on their locations and health status.
All rescued individuals will undergo immediate medical screening. AIIMS Rishikesh and Srinagar Medical College stand ready to provide advanced care if needed.
Every rescue helicopter must be fitted with a satellite phone to guarantee uninterrupted communication with ground teams, especially in high‑altitude zones where network coverage is limited.
