In a major rescue operation, authorities have successfully rescued 8,495 pilgrims stranded along the Kedarnath trek route following severe damage caused by heavy rains earlier this week. The rescue efforts, spearheaded by Uttarakhand’s State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have been ongoing since Wednesday night when intense rainfall led to significant landslides and route disruptions.
By Saturday afternoon, 1,101 individuals were evacuated via the Gaurikund-Sonprayag alternative route and the Kedarnath-Chaumasi trek. Additionally, 414 pilgrims were airlifted by helicopters, underscoring the scale of the ongoing rescue efforts. The SDRF’s swift action has been crucial in managing the complex situation and ensuring the safety of those stranded.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is actively monitoring the rescue operations, with Commissioner of Garhwal Division Vinay Shankar Pandey appointed as the nodal officer for the restoration of infrastructure on the Kedarnath route. The state government is coordinating closely with senior officials to facilitate the ongoing rescue and restoration efforts.
As of Saturday, three bodies have been recovered from different locations along the trek, with continued efforts to locate and assist remaining stranded individuals. The SDRF successfully restored the Chirbasa helipad, which had been closed due to a landslide. This restoration has been a significant boost to the rescue operations, enabling helicopters to resume their critical role in evacuating stranded pilgrims.
Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Vishakha Ashok Bhadane provided an update, clarifying that most of those previously unreachable have now reconnected with their families. Authorities have been distributing food packets to stranded pilgrims in various locations along the trek, and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) has also arranged food supplies in the Kedarnath shrine area.
Garhwal MP Anil Baluni visited the disaster-affected areas in Sonprayag on Saturday, conducting both aerial and ground inspections. He provided directives to the district administration to enhance rescue operations and support for stranded individuals.
The Indian Air Force has been instrumental in the rescue efforts, with Chinook and Mi-17V5 helicopters stationed at Gaucher to assist in the evacuation of stranded individuals from the Kedarnath trek route and the shrine area.
Sources By Agencies