Dehradun. After landing in Dehradun from Delhi, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami proceeded directly to the State Emergency Operations Centre at IT Park to scrutinise the ongoing relief and rescue drive for trekkers and mountaineers caught in Uttarakhand's high‑altitude zones. He demanded a real‑time briefing and insisted that the safe return of every stranded person be treated as the highest priority.

Rescue Operation Overview

Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman briefed the CM that a total of 179 adventurers have been reported missing while undertaking high‑altitude treks across the state. The breakdown is as follows:

  • 136 individuals reported in the Uttarkashi sector
  • 43 individuals reported in the Pindari area of Bageshwar

In Uttarkashi, 40 of the 136 trekkers have already been evacuated safely. Another 40 have chosen to continue their trek and have declined assistance for now. The remaining trekkers will be rescued as soon as weather and ground conditions permit.

Helicopter Assets and Medical Support

The Chief Minister was informed that eight helicopters are currently in operation for the rescue mission. He ordered their immediate utilisation whenever the situation calls for aerial extraction. Additionally, a helicopter‑based ambulance has been placed on standby to deliver rapid medical care to anyone who may need it during the operation.

Coordination with District Authorities

CM Dhami also spoke directly with the District Magistrate of Uttarkashi to gauge on‑ground realities. The DM confirmed that, given the prevailing weather, the evacuation of the remaining trekkers will recommence at 06:00 hrs on Monday. The CM instructed that all necessary resources—logistical, medical, and personnel—be made available and that the rescue teams be monitored continuously.

He reiterated that the safety of residents, tourists, pilgrims and trekkers is a non‑negotiable priority for the state government. All district magistrates and relevant departments have been asked to keep a vigilant eye on vulnerable zones and to launch immediate relief actions if any emergency arises.

Review of Char Dham Yatra Arrangements

The meeting also covered the ongoing preparations for the Char Dham pilgrimage. The CM reviewed facilities, safety protocols, sanitation standards and overall pilgrim experience at the four sacred shrines and along the routes. He urged officials to develop a permanent solid‑waste management system for the major religious and tourist sites, stressing the need for a long‑term plan that can handle the growing influx of pilgrims.

Departments were directed to create a coordinated framework that guarantees cleanliness, environmental protection and convenience for devotees, while preserving Uttarakhand’s cultural and natural heritage. Continuous monitoring of weather conditions and a high‑alert stance by administration, police, SDRF and other agencies were also mandated.

Present at the briefing were Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman, Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swarup, and senior officials from the Disaster Management Department and allied agencies.