Over 9,000 Rescued From Kedarnath Yatra Route Amid Heavy Rains, CM Dhami Emphasises Passenger Safety

NDRF, SDRF, and Air Force helicopters are involved in the rescue operations, while arrangements for shelter and food are being provided for those stranded.

Uttarakhand Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman announced on Saturday that a total of 9,099 people stranded along the different areas of the Kedarnath Yatra route have been rescued. According to news agency ANI, the Secretary stated that the rescue operations began following heavy rains on July 31 and are ongoing at full speed. A total of 7234 passengers have been rescued till August 2, with an additional 1,865 passengers rescued on August 3, counting a total of 9099 passengers.

Vinod Kumar Suman informed that on August 3, 43 passengers were airlifted from Kedarnath, 495 from Linchauli and Bhimbali, and 75 from Chidbasa (Gaurikund).

Additionally, 90 passengers walked safely from Bhimbali-Linchauli to Chaumasi-Kalimath, and 1,162 passengers traveled from Gaurikund to Sonprayag. Efforts continue to evacuate approximately 1,000 passengers still stranded in various locations. He further reported that 15 people died due to heavy rains on 31 July.

He also said that NDRF, SDRF, Air Force's Chinook, and MI-17 helicopters are deployed in relief and rescue operations.

A total of 83 NDRF personnel, 168 SDRF, DDRF, and PRD, 126 of the Police Department, and 35 Fire Personnel are deployed at various places. "35 Disaster Mitras as well as 150 laborers working through the Public Works Department have been deployed to open the blocked roads. 32 employees are providing their services under the leadership of 12 doctors of the Health Department."

"57 employees of the Revenue Department, 68 of GMVN, and 27 employees of the Food Department are engaged in making the related arrangements right. Thus, a total of 882 jawans/personnel are engaged in relief and rescue operations on a war footing," the Secretary said, ANI reported.

'Passenger Safety Is Top Priority:' Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami is overseeing the rescue efforts, which are being done on a large scale to ensure passenger safety. Dhami emphasised that passenger safety is the top priority of the government.

He assured that adequate arrangements for shelter and food have been made for those still stranded, and their needs are being fulfilled. The entire rescue operation is consistently being monitored from the State Emergency Operations Center, with efforts ongoing to safely evacuate all passengers despite weather-related challenges.