The Maharashtra government is urgently coordinating with Uttarakhand authorities to locate and rescue 151 tourists from the state stranded in Uttarkashi’s Dharali area after devastating landslides and flash floods struck the ecologically fragile region on Tuesday. So far, 120 tourists have been reached and are safe at an Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) camp, but 31 remain uncontactable due to disrupted communication networks, officials reported Thursday.

Maharashtra Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar held talks with Uttarakhand counterpart Anand Bardhan, pressing for swift action to trace the missing tourists from Thane (5), Solapur (4), Ahilyanagar (1), Nashik (4), Malegaon (3), Charkop-Kandivali (6), Mumbai suburbs (6), and Titwala (2). “Cloudy weather, poor mobile connectivity, and lack of charging facilities are hindering communication,” an official said, noting Bardhan’s assurance of ongoing efforts to ensure their safety.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is personally overseeing the response, with Kumar chairing a review meeting alongside Additional Chief Secretary Sonia Sethi and Disaster Management Director Dr. Bhalchandra Chavan. Kumar urged families not to panic, emphasizing that plans are in place to evacuate tourists by air or rail once reachable.

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The Maharashtra State Emergency Operations Centre is working closely with Uttarakhand’s disaster management teams, the National Emergency Response Centre, and Uttarkashi’s District Control Room to provide updates and support. Uttarakhand’s rescue operations involve ten ITBP teams, each escorting 30 pilgrims, alongside Army, NDRF, SDRF, and local units. Helicopters, buses, and foot evacuations are being utilized to move tourists from Harsil to Gangotri, though bad weather and damaged roads are slowing progress.

Special IG Rajeev Swaroop has deployed satellite phones to improve coordination, and telecom assistance is being sought to pinpoint the last known locations of the missing tourists. Restoration of road and communication infrastructure continues amid challenging conditions, with authorities prioritizing the safe evacuation of all stranded individuals.

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