The construction of a crucial Bailey bridge along the Gangotri National Highway has entered its final stage, aiming to restore vital connectivity to the flood-affected regions of Uttarkashi and facilitate the delivery of essential supplies, officials confirmed on Sunday.

A Bailey bridge, known for its modular design allowing rapid assembly from pre-fabricated parts, is being constructed over the Limchagad river between Gangnani and Dharali. Authorities expect the bridge to be operational by Sunday evening, which will significantly improve access to disaster-hit areas.

Home Secretary Shailesh Bagauli has instructed officials to ensure the daily supply of 2,000 litres of diesel to Dharali and maintain uninterrupted transport of LPG cylinders for residents. Until road access is fully restored, the use of horses and mules has been recommended to sustain the movement of essential goods.

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Efforts to clear blockages on the highway at locations including Songad, Dabrani, Harsil, and Dharali are progressing rapidly. However, heavy rainfall on Sunday morning has slowed helicopter evacuations of stranded individuals.

More than 1,000 people had been rescued by Saturday. Meanwhile, search operations for missing persons in flood-affected Dharali continue, aided by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) using sniffer dogs, victim locating devices, and thermal imaging cameras. The SDRF is also preparing to deploy divers with rafts to bolster rescue efforts.

Officials remain committed to restoring normalcy in the region through these intensive relief and infrastructure measures.

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