Uttarakhand CM Prioritises Quick Restoration Of Roads And Power

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasised the government's focus on rapid restoration of damaged roads and power lines as rehabilitation efforts accelerated following devastating overnight rains and cloudbursts that ravaged the state on Tuesday. The calamity, triggered by swollen rivers, left a trail of destruction across the Himalayan region, claiming at least 15 lives, leaving 16 missing, and stranding around 900 people in remote hill areas. Dhami, who conducted on-site inspections in severely hit zones like Sahastradhara and Raipur, assured residents of comprehensive support, coordinating with central agencies to expedite relief.

The floods, exacerbated by a clash of easterly and westerly winds as per meteorologists, inundated key areas, including Dehradun's Sahastradhara, where markets and homes were submerged under debris and highways were severed. Over 25-30 roads and at least five bridges were completely washed away, with entire stretches eroded, according to Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman.

Affected districts encompassed Premnagar, Mussoorie, Narendra Nagar, Pauri, Pithoragarh, and Nainital, where temples like Tapkeshwar were partially submerged and buses swept away. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rescued over 1,000 individuals, including 500 students from Dev Bhoomi Institute in Paundha and guests from hotels in Mussoorie, amid ongoing evacuations of 300-400 residents to relief camps providing food and medical aid.

Progress on restoration is underway, with 85% of disrupted power lines already repaired and the remainder expected within days, Dhami stated during a review meeting. He has liaised with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Director General for urgent fixes to critical routes like Narendra Nagar-Tehri, vital for connectivity in the Garhwal region.

The Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam and electricity department are collaborating on a war footing to restore essential services, while helicopters—including Indian Air Force Mi-17s and Chinooks—stand ready despite weather challenges. This latest deluge compounds the state's monsoon woes, following August flash floods in Uttarkashi's Dharali that killed dozens and left 68 missing, highlighting Uttarakhand's vulnerability to climate-amplified disasters in fragile terrains.

Also Read: Dehradun Update: Song River Swells, Roads Cave In after Landslide

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs 1,200 crore in central aid on September 11 for flood-hit areas, covering home reconstruction under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, highway repairs, school rebuilding, and livestock support via PMNRF and PM CARES. The state, estimating Rs 7,500 crore in total losses, has sought Rs 5,702 crore more for infrastructure.

Dhami expressed gratitude to PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their assurances, urging stricter construction codes, early warning systems, and drainage improvements to break the cycle of devastation. As the India Meteorological Department forecasts continued heavy rains, authorities maintained 24/7 vigilance to prevent further emergencies.

Also Read: Uttarakhand on High Alert as Torrential Rains Trigger Red Warning