Uttarakhand CM Thanks PM Modi for Swift HADR Operation Amid Disasters

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami thanked PM Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for initiating the Indian Air Force’s HADR operation in disaster-hit areas. Helicopters like Chinook and Mi-17 V5 have accelerated rescue missions, with over 5000 people evacuated. Relief efforts are ongoing with government support.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for initiating the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operation in disaster-stricken areas of the state. The Chief Minister highlighted that the deployment of Chinook and Mi-17 V5 helicopters by the Indian Air Force in Gauchar has significantly accelerated rescue operations.

Chief Minister Dhami stated that the rescue efforts are being conducted on a war footing, with more than 5000 individuals evacuated to safer locations. Speaking to ANI, Dhami reported that relief and rescue operations are ongoing across the state, with all departments on high alert. Dhami has personally visited several affected areas, including meeting devotees on the Kedarnath pilgrimage. According to him, PM Modi has assured the provision of all necessary assistance, and coordination is in place with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, and other central government officials.

Following heavy rains in Kedarghati, Dhami had urgently requested the central government to deploy helicopters for rescuing stranded pilgrims on the Kedarnath Yatra route. The centre responded by sending MI-17 and Chinook helicopters to airlift stranded passengers. Rescue operations involve teams from the NDRF, SDRF, and local administrations, continuing into late-night hours. By midday Friday, around 430 individuals were airlifted from Lyncholi and Bhimbali, while 700 were safely rescued between Gaurikund and Sonprayag. Injured pilgrims are receiving treatment from NDRF and Health Department personnel.