Immediate briefing at the State Emergency Operations Centre

After landing in Dehradun from Delhi, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami proceeded directly to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) at IT Park. He demanded a comprehensive update on the ongoing rescue drive for trekkers and mountaineers marooned in Uttarakhand’s high‑altitude zones and insisted that their safe return be treated as the topmost priority.

Scale of the emergency

Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman informed the CM that a total of 179 adventurers have been reported missing while undertaking Himalayan treks. The breakdown is as follows:

  • 136 individuals stranded in the Uttarkashi sector.
  • 43 individuals stranded in the Pindari region of Bageshwar.

Current rescue progress in Uttarkashi

Officials disclosed that 40 of the 136 trekkers in Uttarkashi have already been evacuated safely. Another 40 have voluntarily declined assistance, choosing to continue their trek. The remaining trekkers will be evacuated once weather conditions improve and the operational situation permits.

Helicopter assets and medical readiness

The CM was briefed that eight helicopters are currently engaged in the rescue effort. He ordered the teams to mobilise any available aerial resources without delay and to keep a helicopter‑ambulance on standby for immediate medical intervention if required.

Coordination with district authorities

Through a phone conversation with the District Magistrate of Uttarkashi, the CM learned that the next phase of evacuations is slated to commence at 06:00 hrs on Monday, weather permitting. He instructed the magistrate to furnish all necessary logistical support and to maintain continuous monitoring of the operation.

Broader safety mandate

Dhami reiterated that the safety of residents, tourists, pilgrims and trekkers is a core responsibility of the state government. He directed every District Magistrate and relevant department to keep a vigilant watch over vulnerable zones and to activate swift relief and rescue actions whenever an emergency arises.

Review of Char Dham Yatra arrangements

In the same meeting, the CM examined the infrastructure supporting the Char Dham pilgrimage. He assessed facilities, cleanliness, safety measures and waste‑management practices along the routes and at the shrines. Emphasis was placed on establishing a permanent solid‑waste management system at major religious and tourist sites, acknowledging the rising influx of pilgrims.

The chief minister urged the concerned departments to craft a coordinated framework that guarantees environmental conservation, hygiene and convenience for devotees, while preserving Uttarakhand’s cultural and natural heritage.

Final directives

All officials were reminded to keep disaster‑response mechanisms agile, ensure no compromise on individual safety during rescues, and maintain constant weather surveillance. The administration, police, SDRF and other agencies were ordered to stay on high alert in the state’s sensitive areas.

Present at the briefing were Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman, Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swarup, and senior officers from the Disaster Management Department and allied ministries.