Dehradun. With Red and Orange weather alerts now active across Uttarakhand, the state machinery has stepped up real‑time monitoring and relief‑rescue measures in rain‑hit zones. Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan arrived at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) late Sunday evening to take stock of the downpours, flooding and their fallout, urging every department to stay coordinated and remain on heightened alert 24 hours a day.
District‑Level Situation Reports
During the briefing, the Chief Secretary requested up‑to‑date information from each district on rainfall totals, river levels, road closures, landslide‑prone stretches, ongoing rescue missions, and the status of power, water and communications. He asked District Magistrates to compile comprehensive damage assessments and forward them promptly to the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) so that relief and restoration can be accelerated.
Road‑Repair Drive Targeted for Mid‑October
Following Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s directive, the Chief Secretary instructed all districts to finish the pothole‑free road campaign by 15 October. Authorities were also told to audit damage to public assets, document any loss of life and ensure that affected families receive compensation in line with prevailing norms.
Char Dham Pilgrimage Contingent on Weather
Regarding the Char Dham Yatra, the Chief Secretary stressed that pilgrim safety is paramount. He mandated that the pilgrimage proceed only after a thorough weather‑risk assessment. If heavy rain or blocked routes arise, pilgrims must be halted at safe staging points and provided with essential amenities until conditions improve.
Officials were further tasked with continuous river‑level monitoring and issuing advance warnings to downstream communities whenever dam or barrage releases are scheduled.
Special Care for Vulnerable Groups
Authorities were directed to keep a close watch on pregnant women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and patients with serious illnesses during the ongoing monsoon. Pregnant residents in high‑risk areas should be relocated to safe shelters or medical facilities as needed, with helicopter evacuation arranged where necessary.
To curb a potential dengue outbreak, district hospitals, community health centres and primary health centres must maintain adequate stocks of test kits, medicines, blood, beds and staff.
Helicopter Rescue Mission for Stranded Trekkers
The Chief Secretary also reviewed the rescue plan for trekkers trapped on high‑altitude routes in Uttarkashi and Bageshwar. He ordered that a helicopter‑based evacuation begin at 06:00 hrs on 28 September.
The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has been asked to mobilise sufficient helicopters and, if required, deploy extra aircraft. Continuous contact with the stranded trekkers must be maintained, with regular updates on their location and health status.
All rescued individuals will undergo immediate medical screening. AIIMS Rishikesh and Srinagar Medical College stand by to deliver advanced care if needed.
Every rescue helicopter must be equipped with a satellite phone to guarantee uninterrupted communication with ground teams, especially in high‑altitude zones where cellular networks are absent.
