Over 600 rescued from Dharali-Harshil, locals demand Kedarnath-like reconstruction 

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Uttarkashi/Dehradun

After the flash flood in Uttarkashi on Tuesday, more than 600 pilgrims stranded in the Dharali-Harshil region have been rescued by Friday. The evacuation was carried out by helicopters transporting people to safer locations in Uttarkashi and Dehradun. Relief and rescue operations are being conducted by multiple agencies, with the chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami monitoring developments closely. The chief minister also visited Dharali on Friday to review the situation on the ground. He inspected ongoing search and rescue work and issued necessary instructions to senior officials. During his visit, the Dhami met affected residents, enquired about their condition and assured them of all possible assistance from the government. He said that restoration of basic facilities such as electricity, drinking water, and communication networks has been completed, and work on repairing damaged roads is in progress. Locals in Dharali raised a demand for reconstruction of the area similar to the redevelopment of Kedarnath after the 2013 disaster. Dhami responded that the government will ensure the best possible measures for rebuilding and long-term development of the region. He directed the Uttarkashi district administration to immediately assess the damage to public and private property, as well as crop losses, so that compensation can be provided without delay. The officials informed that along with large-scale airlifts, arrangements have been made for those still stranded. Two community kitchens have been set up in Dharali and Harshil to provide food to affected families and travellers. In Harshil, Jhala and Gangotri, stranded tourists are being moved to Matli via helicopter. The officials said that multiple locations in the affected area have been reconnected to electricity and communication networks, reducing isolation for both residents and rescue teams. The restoration of basic services is helping coordinate relief distribution and transportation. The CM also stated that efforts will continue until all stranded individuals are rescued, essential services are fully restored and rehabilitation measures are in place for the affected population.