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Time of India
5 days ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Fresh ‘heavy rainfall' alert poses new challenges in Dharali
Dehradun: A fresh weather alert has triggered renewed concern in Uttarkashi's flood-battered Dharali village, where rescue and relief efforts are already racing against time. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy rain across several districts, including Uttarkashi, over the next 24 hours, officials fear that worsening weather conditions could hamper operations in the coming days. The rain could also trigger fresh landslides in vulnerable areas in the hills, the regional meteorological centre said in its advisory. Based on the Met alert, the State Emergency Operation Centre issued a warning to all district magistrates on Friday, stating: "Most places in the state are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall in the next 24 hours, with moderate to heavy rainfall expected at some locations during the evening/night." Senior scientist at regional meteorological centre, Rohit Thapliyal, told TOI: "The monsoon is going to remain active over Uttarakhand till Aug 10, with bouts of heavy showers expected at isolated places in the state, including Uttarkashi, during the period." Rescue efforts in Dharali, where a massive flash flood triggered by a cloudburst earlier this week flattened homes and swept away infrastructure, are still largely dependent on air support. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Private Jet - The Prices May Surprise You! Private Jet I Search Ads Learn More Undo With roads leading to the village buried under debris and multiple stretches along the Gangotri highway still blocked, helicopters have been the only way in or out. On Friday, MI-17 and Chinook helicopters were grounded post-afternoon due to low visibility — highlighting how vulnerable operations remain to changing weather. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has started reconstruction of a Bailey bridge at Limchigad near Gangnani. The bridge was washed away by a swollen local stream early on Wednesday. Over 90 sorties have so far been flown by MI-17s, Chinooks, Cheetahs and Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs) to evacuate stranded villagers and drop essential supplies. But any disruption in air movement could leave teams and locals stranded again, with rains increasing the threat of fresh landslides in the already fragile terrain. Officials said they are closely monitoring the weather conditions considering that the next 48 hours will be critical. Amid the challenging weather conditions, the Army continued its efforts in the rescue operations at Dharali as well as at their Harsil camp on Friday. General officer commanding of Army's Uttar Bharat area, Lt Gen DG Misra, said, "We are carrying out the task along with Indian Air Force (IAF). Amid our relentless efforts, our main focus is to evacuate the pilgrims from Gangotri shrine. The armed forces have been able to bring around 400 people, mainly pilgrims, from Gangotri to Harsil. The IAF choppers then evacuated 350 of them to Uttarkashi from where they were reaching Dehradun by road. The second priority is to evacuate the affected local residents while helping in restoration of power supply and communication lines." Meanwhile, Uttarakhand director general of police Deepam Seth reached Dharali to oversee the rescue operations being carried out by SDRF and local police units. "Our utmost priority is to rescue the stranded people from there and get them to safer areas," said Seth. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Climate
- The Hindu
Evacuation of pilgrims underway in disaster-hit Uttarkashi, 6 more rescued safely
Evacuation of stranded pilgrims from areas around the disaster-hit Dharali village continued on Friday (August 8, 2025), with authorities focusing on rescue and relief operations via air as the Gangotri National Highway and several rural motor roads are damaged at a number of points. Six people have been brought safely to the ITBP's Matli helipad since the morning, an official said. Advanced equipment required to dredge through the mounds of debris in Dharali, in search of the missing, are being flown to the spot with the help of IAF's Chinook and Mi-17 helicopters and those of Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Authority. Food supplies are also being sent to the affected areas in helicopters, officials said. With roads breached at various points, the thrust is on air support, an NDRF official said. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has been camping at the district headquarters in Uttarkashi for the past few days to keep a close eye on the ongoing rescue operations. In a post on Facebook, he said, "Reviewed the relief and rescue operations going on in Dharali in Uttarkashi this morning." With the help of Heli Seva, Mi-17 and Chinook helicopters, rescue operations are being carried out on a war footing since the morning and people are being brought back safely, he said. Dharali Flash Flood Rescue Ops, Uttarkashi | Lt Gen DG Misra, GOC Uttar Bharat Area, has been personally directing the rescue and relief operations on the ground since 6 Aug 25, in cloudburst-affected Dharali. Braving harsh weather and rugged terrain, Indian Army teams are… — ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2025 Necessary guidelines have been given to the officials on the restoration of roads, communication, electricity and food supply. "We are trying to evacuate all the affected people safely and restore normal life as soon as possible," he said. He added that the central government is providing full cooperation for the rescue efforts.
Business Standard
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Business Standard
Indian Army Surya Devbhoomi Challenge in Association with Mirchi Turned out to Be Majestic Confluence of Adventure, Culture, and Endurance
BusinessWire India Uttarakhand [India], April 21: The majestic valleys of Uttarakhand echoed with the spirit of endurance, adventure, and national pride as the Indian Army successfully hosted the Surya Devbhoomi Challenge - a multi-day sporting event that brought together athletes, adventure enthusiasts, and changemakers to celebrate the soul of India's Devbhoomi. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Uttarakhand's pristine landscapes, this one-of-a-kind endurance event seamlessly blended the raw rush of adrenaline with the serene spirituality of the hills. Over three action-packed days, participants took on cycling, trail running, and road running challenges, traversing some of the most scenic yet demanding terrains the region has to offer. The Indian Army Surya Devbhoomi Challenge was not just about pushing physical limits - it was a powerful platform to spotlight the Vibrant Villages Programme, a government initiative aimed at developing and energizing remote border villages in Uttarakhand. By taking the challenge through villages such as Nelong, Bhatwari, Boodha Kedar, Ghuttu, Triyuginarayan all the way till Sonprayag, this event put a spotlight on these often-overlooked gems, fostering rural tourism and empowering local communities. * Day 1 kicked off with a 105 km cycling trail from Nelong to Bhatwari, pushing riders through high-altitude passes and rugged terrain. * Day 2 saw a 24.5 km trail run with an additional 11.5 km stretch from Bhatwari to Bhoodha Kedar, testing stamina and spirit. * Day 3 offered the final challenge - a 34.7 km trail run from Ghuttu to Triyuginarayan, followed by a 6.6 km road run to Sonprayag, marking an emotional and exhilarating finish line. The event was graced by distinguished members of the Indian Army, who welcomed more than 150 participants who went through the tough yet beautiful terrains of Uttarakhand. The flag-off was done by Lt Gen D G Misra, AVSM, GOC UB Area, thus giving a go-ahead to explore the adventure that was ahead, waiting to be explored. SBI, a brand deeply rooted in national service and sustainability, partnered with the event. SBI's support extended beyond sponsorship, championing the values of community upliftment and eco-responsibility, aligning seamlessly with the ethos of the challenge. The Surya Devbhoomi Challenge was more than just a sporting event - it was a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of India, the resilience of our people, and the untouched beauty of our villages. As participants crossed finish lines, a powerful message resonated - adventure can uplift, empower, and unite. In its debut year, the Surya Devbhoomi Challenge has not only set a benchmark in endurance sports but also ignited a movement to celebrate and sustain the essence of Uttarakhand.
