Dehradun. In response to the Red and Orange weather alerts issued by the state’s Meteorological Department, Uttarakhand’s administration has stepped up surveillance and relief‑rescue measures across rain‑stricken zones. Late Sunday evening, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan toured the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) to assess the deluge, intense downpours and their fallout throughout the state, urging all departments to stay on high alert 24 hours a day.
Key Points Discussed in the SEOC Review
The chief secretary solicited district‑level updates on precipitation levels, river discharges, road closures, landslide‑prone stretches, ongoing rescue missions, and the status of power, water and communication networks. He asked 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 Drive Targeted for Mid‑October
Following directives from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the secretary commanded every district to finish a pothole‑eradication campaign by 15 October. Authorities were also told to evaluate losses to public assets and any casualties, ensuring that affected families receive compensation in line with prevailing regulations.
Char Dham Pilgrimage Contingent on Weather
Regarding the Char Dham Yatra, the chief secretary emphasized pilgrim safety as paramount. The pilgrimage may proceed only after a thorough weather assessment. If heavy rain or blocked routes threaten, pilgrims should be halted at safe staging points and provided with essential amenities until conditions improve.
Officials were further instructed to keep continuous watch over river levels and issue advance alerts to downstream communities whenever dam or barrage releases are planned.
Special Attention to Vulnerable Populations
District teams must closely monitor pregnant women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and those suffering serious illnesses during the ongoing rains. Pregnant residents in high‑risk zones should be relocated to secure 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 to stock adequate testing kits, medicines, blood supplies, beds and staff.
Helicopter Rescue Mission for Stranded Trekkers
The chief secretary also examined the rescue plan for trekkers stranded 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 tasked with mobilising sufficient helicopters and, if required, deploying extra aircraft. Teams must maintain constant contact with the trekkers, tracking 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.
Each rescue helicopter must be equipped with a satellite phone to guarantee uninterrupted communication with ground teams, especially in high‑altitude zones where regular networks fail.
