PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun/Uttarkashi
The authorities have reinstalled the makeshift bridge built over Khirgad for movement of search and rescue teams in the disaster affected Dharali area of Uttarkashi on Wednesday. This wooden and iron pipe link bridge was rebuilt and reinstalled on Wednesday after rising water levels had swept it away on Tuesday.
Search operations are underway with dog squads indicating locations for excavation to locate missing persons and water-filled pits are being drained. The UCADA helicopters had completed 17 sorties, transporting 48 people along with equipment and ration to different areas by Wednesday afternoon. The officials informed that the base of the main suspension bridge connecting Dharali to Mukhba is being reinforced on the instructions of the Public Works Department (PWD) after inspection by Army engineers, SDRF and NDRF teams found immediate repairs necessary. Movement across the bridge is continuing with rescue team members crossing one by one.
A team of 30 engineers and personnel from UJVNL and the Irrigation department is working on water drainage from the lake formed due to the blocked flow of the Bhagirathi River. Two NDRF outboard motor boats have also reached Harsil, as per the officials. They informed that two Chinook helicopters have been deployed in Dharasu for transporting essential equipment and resources to affected areas.
An additional advanced light helicopter from Bareilly has also been stationed in Dharasu for rescue operations. Work to repair the washed-out road at kilometre 220 in Dabrani is ongoing and a team from the Directorate of Geology and Mining along with geologists also reached Harsil. Besides this, the Uttarkashi district magistrate Prashant Arya informed that the electricity and water supply in Dharali have been restored and internet connectivity will be resumed by Thursday too. He informed that daily essentials have reached affected families, with adequate stock maintained in warehouses until road access is fully restored. Helicopters are also being used for supply when required.
The DM stated that the assessment of damage to cash crops and apples has been completed by Horticulture, Agriculture and Revenue departments. During inspections from Harsil to Songad, the DM instructed the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to make additional efforts for road restoration and also inspected the damaged valley bridge in Songad. A review meeting was also held in Mukhba with district and departmental officials to evaluate progress and plan further actions.
