Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 9: Rescue and relief efforts under Operation Dharali are in full swing across the flood and landslide-affected areas of Dharali and Harsil in Uttarkashi district, with 816 civilians safely evacuated so far.

The operation is a massive multi-agency undertaking, involving the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). These teams are working continuously to rescue stranded residents and restore disrupted connectivity in the region.

While all civilians in Dharali have been successfully evacuated, search operations are still ongoing in Harsil to ensure no one is left behind. Authorities reported that road access has been restored up to Limchigad, where engineering teams are building a 90-foot Bailey Bridge to replace infrastructure damaged in the disaster.

Simultaneously, a 2-kilometre footpath between Harsil and Dharali is being converted into an all-terrain track, allowing movement of heavy equipment, supplies, and personnel. Air operations have also become a vital part of the mission, with two Mi-17 helicopters and a Chinook deployed from the Dharasu air base to transport relief material and military personnel into the affected areas.

Eight civilian helicopters from Matli are focused on evacuating people from remote and isolated pockets. The current spell of clear weather in the Matli–Harsil corridor has significantly boosted aerial operations, enabling consistent flights and fast-tracked delivery of emergency aid.

Relief camps have been established for those rescued, providing food, shelter, and medical assistance. Officials on the ground are now assessing the broader rehabilitation needs, with a focus on rebuilding road links and ensuring a safe return for displaced residents once conditions allow.

Operation Dharali continues to demonstrate the effectiveness of coordinated disaster response, as the teams race against time to complete evacuation efforts and begin long-term recovery in one of Uttarakhand’s most challenging terrains.