Uttarakhand CM, Garhwal MP Discuss Relief Efforts Post Heavy Rains

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami met Garhwal MP Anil Baluni in Delhi to discuss relief efforts in Rudraprayag after heavy rains caused significant damage. Dhami reviewed rescue operations in affected areas and directed the normalization of essential services. The Indian Air Force airlifted stranded individuals in the Kedarnath Valley.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Garhwal MP Anil Baluni on Friday at Uttarakhand Sadan in Delhi. The discussion focused on relief efforts in Rudraprayag, affected by recent heavy rains. Key issues such as state development and relief operations were a priority.

Last week, severe rainfall left many pilgrims and tourists stranded on the Sonprayag-Kedarnath road in the Garhwal region, resulting in 17 fatalities and halting the Kedarnath Dham Yatra. Following an assessment of the affected areas, CM Dhami instructed authorities to resume the yatra by foot.

Dhami's aerial survey evaluated the damage. He emphasized the immediate restoration of essential services, including roads, drinking water, and power lines. Local authorities have moved around 150 people from Kedarnath to Bhimbali and 161 from Jangalchatti to Chirbasa under NDRF supervision.

The completion of a footbridge over the Mandakini River facilitated rescue efforts. The Indian Air Force airlifted 201 individuals, including NDRF personnel, and delivered approximately 2000 kg of relief supplies to critical areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)