Dehradun. Fresh from Delhi, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami proceeded directly to the State Emergency Operations Centre at IT Park to scrutinise the ongoing relief and rescue drive for trekkers and mountaineers marooned in Uttarakhand’s high‑altitude Himalayan zones. He demanded a comprehensive briefing and ordered that the safe repatriation of every stranded individual be treated as the utmost priority.

Rescue operation at a glance

Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman reported that a total of 179 trekkers and mountaineers have been reported missing while undertaking high‑altitude treks across several Himalayan sectors. The breakdown is as follows:

  • 136 individuals are stranded in the Uttarkashi region.
  • 43 individuals are stuck in the Pindari area of Bageshwar.

In Uttarkashi, 40 of the 136 have already been evacuated safely. Another 40 have chosen to continue their trek and have declined evacuation for now. The remaining trekkers will be rescued as soon as weather permits and conditions improve.

Helicopter assets and medical readiness

The Chief Minister was briefed that eight helicopters have been mobilised for the operation. He instructed officials to deploy these aerial assets without delay whenever the situation calls for it. Additionally, a helicopter‑ambulance has been placed on standby to deliver immediate medical aid to any casualty during the rescue.

Coordination with ground authorities

CM Dhami spoke directly with the District Magistrate of Uttarkashi to gauge the on‑ground scenario. The DM confirmed that, given the prevailing weather, the next phase of evacuations will recommence at 06:00 hrs on Monday. The Chief Minister ordered that all necessary logistical support and manpower be furnished to the rescue teams and that the operation be continuously monitored.

Broader safety directives

Emphasising the welfare of residents, tourists, pilgrims and trekkers, the CM directed every District Magistrate and relevant department to keep a vigilant eye on vulnerable zones and to launch immediate relief actions whenever an emergency emerges.

Review of Char Dham Yatra arrangements

The meeting also covered the Char Dham pilgrimage. The Chief Minister evaluated existing facilities, safety protocols, cleanliness standards and overall pilgrim experience along the sacred routes. He urged departments to upgrade these aspects continuously.

A key focus was placed on instituting a permanent solid‑waste management system at major religious and tourist sites, including the Char Dham. Recognising the surge in pilgrim numbers, the CM called for a long‑term waste‑handling blueprint that anticipates future demand.

Officials were instructed to devise a coordinated framework that guarantees cleanliness, environmental preservation and pilgrim convenience, while safeguarding Uttarakhand’s cultural and natural heritage.

Ensuring rapid disaster response

The CM reinforced that government machinery must react swiftly during crises, without compromising anyone’s safety. He mandated continuous weather monitoring and a high‑alert stance for administration, police, SDRF and all concerned agencies in at‑risk areas.

Present at the briefing were Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman, Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swarup, and senior officials from the Disaster Management Department and allied ministries.