Uttarakhand's Kedarnath Trek Restoration Underway: Govt Seeks Swift Action

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has requested Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s assistance for the restoration of the Kedarnath trek and national highways heavily damaged by rains in Uttarakhand. Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey has been appointed for infrastructure work. Rescue operations have evacuated 10,715 pilgrims so far.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday briefed Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari about the extensive damage to Kedarnath trek route and national highways in Uttarakhand caused by heavy rain.

Addressing the need for swift restoration given the upcoming influx of pilgrims and tourists, Dhami received assurance from Gadkari for all possible assistance.

Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey has been designated as the nodal officer for the restoration work on the affected trek route.

Dhami held a virtual meeting with officials for updates on rescue operations and directed disaster management and PWD secretaries to expedite visits and restoration efforts in the affected areas.

Rudraprayag District Magistrate Saurabh Gaharwar mentioned that if weather conditions remain favorable, the trek route could be cleared of debris within a week.

Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman affirmed the ongoing evacuation efforts with 1,000 pilgrims still en route to Kedarnath, all safe and taken care of.

Since rescue operations commenced, 10,715 pilgrims have been evacuated.

IAF's Chinook and MI17 helicopters are playing a crucial role in the operations, which will accelerate further now that the damaged Cheerbasa helipad is operational.