On Tuesday, the village of Dharali in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, witnessed the wrath of nature. The disaster has altered the landscape of the area completely, transforming it into a sea of debris. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami surveyed the situation on Friday, reaching Harshil, while terrestrial access to Dharali remains cut off. Over 24 hours have passed, and yet, rescue and relief teams have not been able to reach the disaster site.
The Gangotri National Highway is destroyed in various places, bridges have washed away, and roads have sunken, making it impossible to reach Dharali from the district headquarters. Near Gangnani, the BRO's concrete bridge has disappeared, with roads between Netala and Bhatwari becoming impassable marshes. The swift currents of Bhagirathi have annihilated the highway, leaving rescue teams, media, and administrative personnel stranded in Bhatwari.
The 50-meter-long, steadfast concrete valley bridge that served thousands for years sat like a forgotten paper boat, now claimed by the river's destructive might. That bridge is history, erasing the road connection between Dharali and Harshil.
The situation in Dharali is dire. ITBP and army teams engaged in relief work have faced damages at their Harshil camp. The District Officer and SP have been airlifted, and helicopter operations are delivering food supplies and extracting those in need to safer areas.
Isolation of Dharali
Gangwani Pass was the only major roadway connecting Dharali and Harshil but now lies devastated. Roads have fractured, the earth has shifted, and around every corner lies debris, dust, and despair. Machinery involved in rescue operation remains stuck, unable to proceed or retreat. Traveling beyond Gangwani now symbolizes struggle and risk.
Heartbroken Crowd, Seeking Their Kin
At Gangwani Pass, locals congregate in distress. Many are prepared to cross towards Dharali on foot searching for family. Their eyes brim with tears, faces tense with anger and fear. They plead with authorities: if they can't proceed, let us pass. Our families are stranded in Dharali; we will find them. But there is no path the administration can offer.
Source: aajtak
The weather relented briefly, allowing the start of a helicopter operation. Relief, essentials, medical supplies, satellite phones, blankets, drinking water, and dry rations are being sent from Dehradun. Yet, this remains a lengthy and arduous battle.
Those stranded in Dharali and Harshil endure ongoing shortages of water, electricity, and medicine. Until roads are restored, this calamity will persist. The administration is airlifting essential supplies wherever feasible.
Struggle for Survival: Hopes Hanging by a Thread
NDMA and SDRF teams are crafting an alternative route across Gangwani. An emergency rope bridge replacement is underway where the bridge was swept away. Ropes span both riverbanks, as personnel zip-line across. First soldiers, then supplies, then technical equipment will cross sequentially.
Source: aajtak
Highway Reduced to a Rubble Field
From Gangwani, around 200 to 300 meters of what was once a national highway is now a mere expanse of rubble. Trucks once rolled through here, but it's now too perilous to walk. Until restoration, no heavy machinery will reach. The alternate valley bridge setup is underway, but sourcing iron plates, pillars, welding equipment, and material demand a concerted effort akin to a battleground.
Electricity Restored, But Operation Deferred
Power supply has been re-established around Gangwani and adjacent areas, providing a respite. This enables welding work, machinery operations, and technological installation. However, a full-scale relief operation might not commence at full force until tomorrow.
