The devastating landslides in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand have caused widespread havoc. Post-disaster, Lieutenant General Raghu Srinivasan, PVSM, VSM, DGBR (Director General of the Border Roads Organisation - BRO) surveyed the affected areas to assess the situation. Together with military and civilian teams, he is deeply involved in accelerating the relief and rescue operations. Here, we delve into the current state of affairs and observe the ongoing relief efforts.
DGBR's Efforts: Swift and Enhanced Relief Operations
Lieutenant General Raghu Srinivasan met with the Honorable Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta to strategize improved rescue operations. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has mobilized additional resources to swiftly restore roadways. BRO is committed to the nation and is executing its mission at a war footing.
Source: aajtak
Current Status: Roadblocks and Active Helipads
Road Conditions: Roads near Bhatwari, Linchigarh, Gangrani, and Dharali are severely damaged, and some are entirely washed away, but restoration efforts are underway.
Helipads: Military helipad in Harsil and civilian helipad in Nelong are operational, but the civilian helipad in Dharali is closed due to debris.
Challenges: Landslides and rains make accessing these areas challenging.
Deployment of Troops and Resources
Troops: More than 225 Indian Army personnel, including engineers, medical staff, and rescue teams, are on the ground, actively engaged in bolstering relief operations.
Technology: A search radar team is positioned in Tekla to aid in locating trapped individuals in the debris.
Canine Assistance: Search and rescue dogs are deployed to locate missing individuals.
Source: aajtak
Rescue and Relief Operations: Aid Continues
Rescue Success: Over 70 civilians have been safely evacuated so far.
Airlifts: Critically injured individuals are airlifted to AIIMS hospitals in Dehradun and Rishikesh.
Supporting Tourists: Around 200 stranded tourists in Gangotri receive medical assistance and food provisions.
Future Plans
Personnel from BRO and the army continue to work tirelessly, employing helicopters (Chinook and Mi-17) to transport troops and medical teams to affected regions. The safe evacuation of tourists is also ongoing from Nelong helipad. Heavy machinery and engineering teams are dedicated to reopening roads and restoring connectivity.
