PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE | Uttarkashi The flash flood in Uttarkashi has completely severed road connectivity between the district headquarters and several villages, including the disaster affected Dharali. Supply of food, water and essential medicines has come to a halt. Mobile networks are also down, leaving villagers completely cut off from the outside world. Road connectivity from Bhatwadi to Chadeti has been fully disrupted, with a damaged bridge beyond Chhadeti further cutting off access to Dharali and nearby villages. Landslides and continuous rainfall have blocked the Gangotri National Highway at multiple points, including Dhrasu Bend, Nalu Pani and near Gangnani, severely affecting the movement of rescue and relief teams. The affected stretch of the Gangotri NH is a critical route for Uttarkashi and its closure has left several villages completely isolated. Even the teams of NDRF and SDRF dispatched toward Dharali were also stranded on the way due to blocked roads on Wednesday. Local administration’s efforts to provide assistance have also been hampered as there is no alternate route available to reach Dharali. Roads across Dhrasu Bend, Bhatwadi, Chhadeti, Nalu Pani and Gangnani are covered in debris. The situation in villages such as Chopta and surrounding areas has become critical. Villagers are facing shortages of food and water and there is no electricity or communication network. As per the officials, efforts are underway to deliver relief material via helicopter but adverse weather conditions are creating challenges. The chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has also directed quick action for relief and road restoration. A team of senior officials has been sent from Dehradun to monitor the situation and assist local authorities. A resident of Dharali, Dinesh Rana said that there is an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in the village. Electricity, water supply and communication networks are completely down. Food supplies are also running out. He appealed to the administration to find a way to reach the village as soon as possible. Authorities have also appealed to residents to avoid unnecessary movement and remain in safe locations. Relief by air remains the primary option until road connectivity is restored. The situation continues to evolve and it remains a significant challenge for the administration.
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