Dehradun. With Red and Orange weather warnings in force across Uttarakhand, the state machinery has stepped up surveillance and relief‑and‑rescue activities in the rain‑hit districts. Late Sunday evening, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan visited the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) to assess the deluge, intense showers and the cascading impacts on the ground. He instructed all departments to coordinate closely and stay on high alert 24 hours a day.
Key Points Discussed at the SEOC Briefing
The Chief Secretary solicited district updates on rainfall totals, river levels, road closures, landslide‑prone zones, ongoing rescue missions, and the status of power, water and communications. He charged District Magistrates with preparing detailed damage reports and forwarding them promptly to the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) to speed up relief and restoration.
Road‑Repair Drive Targeted for Mid‑October
Following directives from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Chief Secretary ordered every district to complete a pothole‑free road campaign by 15 October. Officials were also asked to evaluate losses to public assets and any fatalities, ensuring that affected families receive compensation as per existing guidelines.
Char Dham Pilgrimage Contingent on Weather
Regarding the Char Dham Yatra, the Chief Secretary emphasized pilgrim safety as the foremost concern. The pilgrimage may proceed only after a thorough weather assessment. If heavy rain or blocked routes arise, pilgrims should be halted at safe points and provided with essential amenities until conditions improve.
Continuous monitoring of river levels was mandated, with advance warnings to downstream communities should dams or barrages release water.
Special Care for Vulnerable Populations
Authorities were told to keep a close watch on pregnant women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and those with serious illnesses during the ongoing rains. Pregnant women in high‑risk zones should be relocated to safe shelters or medical facilities, and helicopter evacuation should be arranged when needed.
To curb a possible dengue surge, district hospitals, community health centres and primary health centres must maintain ample stocks of test kits, medicines, blood, beds and staff.
Helicopter Rescue Mission for Stranded Trekkers
The Chief Secretary also examined rescue plans for trekkers trapped on high‑altitude routes in Uttarkashi and Bageshwar. He directed that a helicopter‑based evacuation commence at 06:00 hours on 28 September.
The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has been tasked with mobilising sufficient helicopters and, if required, deploying extra aircraft. Teams must keep continuous contact with the stranded trekkers, tracking their locations and health status.
All rescued individuals will undergo immediate medical screening, with AIIMS Rishikesh and Srinagar Medical College standing by to provide advanced care.
Every rescue helicopter must be equipped with a satellite phone to guarantee uninterrupted communication in high‑altitude, network‑poor zones.
