170 trekkers still stranded in higher Himalayas of Uttarkashi & Bageshwar; rescue operation to resume at 6 AM today PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami went to the State Emergency Operations Centre located at IT Park immediately after his return from New Delhi on Monday where he reviewed the relief and rescue operations being conducted for trekkers and mountaineers stranded during high-altitude trekking in the higher Himalayan regions of the State. Considering the gravity of the situation, the CM sought updated information on the rescue operation from officers of the State administration and directed them to give top priority to the safe return of every stranded person. In his visit, the CM sought details about the number of trekkers stranded in various districts, their current locations, the rescue operations and the arrangements being made to safe evacuations of the stranded. He instructed the officials to ensure that there is no negligence at any level in the rescue operation and that all available resources be effectively utilized, given the weather and geographical conditions. The secretary, Disaster Management Vinod Kumar Suman informed the CM that a total of 179 trekkers and mountaineers had been stranded during high-altitude trekking in various Himalayan regions of the State. Of these, 136 were stranded in Uttarkashi and 43 in the Pindari region of Bageshwar district. The officers said that 40 of the 136 people stranded in Uttarkashi have been safely rescued. Another 40 have declined rescue and expressed their desire to continue their journey. The rescue operation will resume at 6 AM on Monday. Dhami categorically said that the safety of trekkers, mountaineers and porters should be given top priority during the rescue operation. He called for immediate arrangements for additional resources as needed, and for all relevant agencies to coordinate effectively to ensure the operation. The officers further informed that a total of eight helicopters have been deployed for the rescue operation. Dhami said that heli-ambulances be placed on standby so that if anyone needs medical assistance during the rescue, they can be provided with immediate medical care. The CM also held telephonic interaction with the district magistrate of Uttarkashi to inquire about the situation. Dhami said that the safety of the State’s residents, tourists, pilgrims and trekkers visiting Uttarakhand, is the State government’s top priority. He directed all DM and related departments to maintain constant vigil in sensitive areas and immediately initiate relief and rescue operations in case of any emergency. The CM also reviewed arrangements for the Char Dham Yatra at the meeting. He inquired about the convenience, safety, cleanliness and other necessary arrangements for pilgrims on the Char Dham and Yatra routes and directed officials to continuously improve the arrangements. He said that in disaster situations, every government machinery must act with utmost readiness, ensuring that no one’s safety is compromised during rescue operations. He directed officials to ensure that the administration, police, SDRF and other relevant agencies remain on full alert in sensitive areas, while constantly monitoring weather conditions.
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