Dehradun. Fresh from Delhi, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami proceeded straight to the State Emergency Operations Centre at IT Park to take stock of the ongoing rescue and relief drive for trekkers and mountaineers trapped in Uttarakhand’s high‑altitude ranges. He pressed officials for the latest figures and ordered that the safe return of every stranded person be treated as the utmost priority.
Scale of the emergency
Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman briefed the CM that a total of 179 trekkers and mountaineers have been reported missing while attempting high‑altitude treks across various Himalayan sectors. Of these, 136 are located in Uttarkashi and 43 in the Pindari area of Bageshwar.
Current status in Uttarkashi
The CM examined the rescue operations specific to Uttarkashi. Officials confirmed that 40 of the 136 stranded individuals have already been evacuated safely. Another 40 have opted to continue their trek for the moment, declining immediate assistance. The remaining parties will be evacuated as soon as weather permits and the situation stabilises.
Resources deployed
Eight helicopters have been dispatched to support the rescue mission. The CM instructed that these aerial assets be employed without delay whenever the need arises. Additionally, a helicopter‑ambulance was placed on standby to deliver rapid medical care to anyone requiring urgent attention during the operation.
Coordination and next steps
In a phone conversation with the District Magistrate of Uttarkashi, the CM learned that, given the prevailing weather, the evacuation of the remaining trekkers is slated to resume at 06:00 hrs on Monday. He directed all relevant departments to furnish the rescue teams with any additional resources required and to maintain continuous monitoring of the operation.
"The safety of residents, tourists, pilgrims and trekkers is non‑negotiable. All district magistrates and concerned agencies must stay vigilant and be ready to launch immediate relief and rescue actions whenever an emergency arises," the CM emphasized.
Review of Char Dham Yatra arrangements
During the same meeting, the CM assessed the infrastructure and safety measures supporting the Char Dham pilgrimage. He called for a permanent solid‑waste management system at major religious and tourist sites, noting the growing influx of pilgrims. The administration was asked to devise a coordinated plan that balances cleanliness, environmental conservation and pilgrim convenience, ensuring that Uttarakhand’s spiritual and natural heritage remains protected.
All officials present – including Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman, Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swarup, and senior officers from the Disaster Management Department – affirmed their commitment to swift action and seamless inter‑agency coordination.
