Uttarkashi: As landslides continue to wreak havoc across parts of Uttarakhand, the Indian Army has ramped up its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in Dharali and adjoining regions. Over 225 Army personnel, including engineers, medical staff, and search teams, are currently on ground carrying out intensified rescue efforts.
The situation remains dire, with road access severely disrupted across key locations like Bartwari, Linchigad near Harsil, Gangrani, and Dharali due to continuous landslide activity. Restoration work is underway to reconnect the affected zones.
Helipads Activated, Air Evacuations Begin
While the military helipad at Harsil and the civil helipad at Nelong are operational, the Dharali civil helipad remains non-functional after being blocked by a mudslide. Despite limited infrastructure, air evacuation of critically injured civilians has begun, with flights heading to Dehradun and AIIMS Rishikesh for immediate medical treatment.
Ground Search Intensifies with Tech and Trained K9 Units
A specialised Search Radar team has been deployed at Tekla to locate individuals trapped under debris. Rescue dogs are also being used to trace missing persons across the landslide-affected zones, especially in areas with heavy mud deposits.
With over 70 civilians rescued so far, the Indian Army continues to prioritise life-saving operations while providing urgent care. At Gangotri, around 200 stranded tourists are being provided medical assistance and food as air and ground resources continue to mobilise.
Army Commitment in Crisis
This latest deployment builds upon the Indian Army’s ongoing rescue mission launched earlier this week in response to landslides around Dharali. Working alongside the civil administration, the Army remains at the forefront of saving lives and stabilising disaster-hit regions under the Surya Command and UB Area formations.
