Rescue Operations Intensify in Uttarakhand’s Dharali-Harsil Area, 629 Rescued So Far

📰 In News – Uttarakhand Dharali-Harsil Disaster Relief Operations

• Relief and rescue operations are in full swing in the disaster-hit Dharali-Harsil area, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand.
• Agencies involved: Army, NDRF, SDRF, police, and local administration.
• Status: 629 people rescued so far (includes pilgrims & locals).
• Immediate Relief: ₹5,000 provided to each affected family by the District Magistrate; further relief after damage assessment.
• Officials on Ground:
  • Prashant Arya – District Magistrate, Uttarkashi.
  • Deepam Seth – State Director General of Police; conducted field inspection.
• Priorities: Search for missing persons, restoration of basic amenities, and combating misinformation.
• Special Note: Strict action ordered against those spreading misleading information on social media about the disaster.
  
  
  
• 📌 Static / UPSC Relevance
  • Location: Dharali & Harsil – located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, on the route to Gangotri.
  • Disaster Context: Region is prone to flash floods, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) due to steep terrain and seismic activity.
  • Agencies Mentioned:
    • NDRF – National Disaster Response Force (formed 2006, HQ: New Delhi).
    • SDRF – State Disaster Response Force (state-level equivalent).
  • Legal Framework: Disaster Management Act, 2005 governs relief operations in India.
  • Recent Trend: Increased extreme weather events in Himalayan states due to climate change & anthropogenic pressure.
    
    Updated August 9, 2025 11:27 AM | newsonair