Extra Caution Needed in Coming Days: CM Dhami Reviews Relief and Rescue Operations

Aug 2025 : Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday reviewed the relief and rescue operations being carried out in the disaster-affected areas of the state. He directed that all precautionary measures must be taken in disaster-prone and sensitive regions to ensure the safety of life and property, and that affected people should be provided with timely and adequate assistance.

Taking note of the weather department’s alert for the coming days, the Chief Minister instructed officials to remain on high alert and ensure that the disaster management system is fully prepared to tackle any emergency.

During the review meeting, held with senior government officials at the Uttarakhand State Disaster Operations Centre, as well as with district magistrates of all districts, the CM sought detailed updates from disaster-hit areas. He said that while disasters are beyond human control, relief and rescue teams have been performing commendably by reaching ground zero immediately. He urged all departments to continue working with the same urgency and coordination to support the affected people.

Speaking on the Syana Chatti area of Uttarkashi, the Chief Minister noted that debris had caused a rise in the river’s water level. He instructed that this debris should be moved away from riverbanks to safe locations, so that rains do not push it back into the river and create fresh blockages.

Dhami said that once rains reduce, the number of Char Dham pilgrims will increase, along with the onset of the festive season. Keeping this in view, special attention must be paid to road repair and other essential arrangements. He directed the Secretary of the Public Works Department to immediately complete all formalities, including tenders, and ensure timely repair of roads.

The CM reviewed the damages caused by recent disasters in various parts of the state and ordered urgent steps to reopen blocked roads and restore water and electricity supply. For the treatment of injured animals, he directed the Animal Husbandry Department to send veterinary teams to all villages.

Dhami clearly instructed district magistrates to seek any necessary support from the government without hesitation to make relief and rescue operations more effective. He also directed the Secretary of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation to release required funds immediately upon receiving demands from districts.

The Chief Minister emphasized ensuring the safety of people living near rivers and streams by maintaining constant monitoring of water levels. In case of danger, people must be shifted to safer locations without delay. He also stressed that there should be no encroachments along riverbanks.

He further directed that irrigation department officials must be deployed at all dams round the clock, and prior intimation of water release should always be given to district administration. In unavoidable circumstances, if excess water needs to be released, timely measures must be taken to safeguard lives and property.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Home Secretary Shailesh Bagoli, DGP Deepam Seth, Secretary Dr. Pankaj Pandey, Secretary of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Vinod Kumar Suman, Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat, as well as district magistrates and police superintendents of all districts.