Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 6 : In the wake of a cloudburst in the Dharali region of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, the Maharashtra Government has launched a mission-level response to ensure the safety and safe return of stranded tourists from the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has taken steps by reaching out to Uttarakhand's Finance Secretary Dilip Jawalkar and Inspector General of Police (Law & Order) Nilesh Bharne, urging immediate assistance for Maharashtra-based tourists.
"Our foremost priority is to ensure that every tourist returns home safely and their families are assured of their well-being," said Pawar. He appealed to the families of the stranded to avoid panicking.
Among the stranded are 51 tourists, including 11 from the Nanded district and 40 from other parts of Maharashtra. The State Government is in continuous contact with the tourists and is actively coordinating with Uttarakhand authorities to provide all necessary assistance.
Efforts are being made through Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi to relocate the stranded individuals to safer locations and facilitate their return to Maharashtra at the earliest.
Pawar also informed that district administrations across Maharashtra have been alerted and instructed to act as required in this situation.
Several helpline numbers for assistance have also been issued. Maharashtra State Emergency Operations Centre - Contact for information: 93215 87143 / 022-22027990 / 022-22794229
Uttarakhand State Emergency Operations Centre - Contact: 0135-2710334 / 82188 67005
Meanwhile, the Indian Army has launched a swift and coordinated Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operation in the wake of a devastating cloudburst near Dharali, close to Harsil in Uttarakhand. The region is currently cut off from both north and south due to multiple road breaches and a collapsed bridge.
According to a statement from the Indian Army, over 225 Army personnel, including infantry and engineering teams, are on the ground for search, rescue, and relief tasks. Combat engineers have reached Dharali to aid in clearing debris and restoring mobility.
As of 3 pm, there are three confirmed fatalities, while over 50 persons are reportedly missing (as per the Civil Administration).
According to the statement, a total of 9 personnel are also missing, including one Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and eight jawans.
In a significant infrastructural damage, key road stretches near Bartwari, Linchigad, and Gangrani have been washed away, severely affecting movement.
The civil helipad at Dharali remains non-functional due to a mudslide.
Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that around 190 people have been rescued from the Dharali area, following a devastating cloudburst that triggered massive flash floods and landslides in the area.