CM Dhami Seeks Emergency Funds for Uttarakhand Road Repairs Post Heavy Rains

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has requested Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's assistance in reconstructing Uttarakhand's damaged roads after heavy rains. More than 7,000 people have been evacuated, and relief efforts are ongoing, while urgent repairs are necessary to facilitate the upcoming influx of tourists.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has appealed to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari for immediate assistance in reconstructing roads that have suffered extensive damage due to heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand. Speaking to Gadkari over the phone, CM Dhami detailed the extensive road damage, including to the critical Char Dham highways.

CM Dhami emphasized the urgent need for timely road repairs to accommodate the anticipated surge in tourists, particularly for the Char Dham Yatra. He urged Gadkari to approve essential funds from the Central Road Safety Fund to expedite the reconstruction efforts. The Chief Minister highlighted that roads are the primary mode of transportation in the state's hilly regions, stressing their quick repair is crucial for the state's welfare.

Uttarakhand Disaster Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman reported that around 3,000 people stranded along affected routes have been rescued, although approximately 1,000 remain in Kedarnath. Suman assured that the weather is improving, with an Orange alert issued for moderate rain in Uttarkashi. Most major routes have reopened, except for the Kedarnath-Gaurikund route, where ongoing rescue efforts have seen 2,300 people relocated to Sonprayag and 700 airlifted.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) announced they have evacuated roughly 7,000 people from various locations. NDRF team commander Sudesh Kumar described the situation in Sonprayag as stabilizing, despite landslides occurring in multiple areas. The Indian Air Force, Civil Aviation, NDRF, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) continue evacuation and relief operations.

BJP MP Anil Baluni inspected the landslide-affected regions in Rudraprayag, engaging with officials involved in the rescue and relief missions.

(With inputs from agencies.)