Indian Army Steps Up Rescue Operations in Cloudburst-Hit Dharali, Uttarakhand

Uttarkashi, 7th August 2025: The Indian Army, in coordination with civilian authorities, has intensified Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in Dharali near Harsil, Uttarakhand, following a devastating cloudburst that triggered massive landslides and cut off access to multiple remote regions.

Region Cut Off, Relief Efforts Intensify

The affected area remains inaccessible due to widespread road damage at several key points including Bartwari, Linchigad, Gangrani, and Dharali. Civil and military teams are working round-the-clock to rescue stranded individuals, provide critical aid, and restore connectivity.

Helipads and Road Connectivity Status

• The military helipad at Harsil and the helipad at Nelong, which is connected by road to Gangotri, are operational and serving as critical transit points for relief and evacuation efforts.
• The civil helipad at Dharali, however, remains non-functional due to mudslides.

Troop Deployment and Equipment on Ground

Over 225 Army personnel, including engineers, medics, and rescue experts, have been deployed in the region. Special resources include:

• Reeco Radar teams at Tekla and en route to other affected areas.
• Search and rescue dogs to assist in locating missing persons.

Air Support Mobilized

The Indian Army and civil authorities have mobilized air assets to accelerate rescue operations:

• Chinook and Mi-17 helicopters are stationed at Jollygrant, awaiting clear weather for deployment.
• Five civil helicopters from Sahastradhara are actively operating between Matli, Bhatwari, and Harsil, in coordination with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
• An ad-hoc aviation base is being established at the Matli Helipad (ITBP) to streamline helicopter operations.

Rescue and Casualty Updates

• 70 civilians have been rescued so far.
• Casualties reported:
  • Civilians: 3 confirmed dead, over 50 missing.
  • Army: 1 Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and 8 jawans reported missing.
• Evacuations: 9 Army personnel and 3 civilians have been airlifted to Dehradun.
• Critical medical evacuations:
  • 3 civilians shifted to AIIMS Rishikesh.
  • 8 civilians admitted to Uttarkashi District Hospital.
  • 2 bodies have been recovered.

High-Level Oversight and Government Response

• Uttarakhand Chief Minister visited Dharali to assess the situation firsthand.
• Army Commander, Central Command, and GOC, Uttar Bharat Area, are on the ground overseeing operations.
• The Chief of Staff, Central Command, is coordinating helicopter missions with the Central Air Command.

Nearly 200 tourists stranded at Gangotri are being provided food, shelter, and medical care by the Indian Army and ITBP.

Next 24–48 Hours: Key Action Plan

• Para troops and medical teams will be airlifted to Harsil using Chinooks.
• NDRF personnel and medical staff to be deployed to Nelong via Mi-17 helicopters.
• Evacuation of tourists from Nelong helipad planned on return sorties.
• Efforts to clear road routes ahead of Uttarkashi and Tekla are ongoing.

The Indian Army has reiterated its commitment to ensuring every stranded civilian is rescued and rehabilitated safely, even as treacherous weather and terrain pose ongoing challenges. The situation remains dynamic, with authorities urging the public to stay away from vulnerable areas and rely on official updates.