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Uttarkashi: The horrifying cloudburst that struck Uttarkashi’s Bhagirathi valley on August 5 left hundreds stranded and terrified.
But for many rescued pilgrims, the Indian Army became a symbol of hope and survival. “We saw God in Army personnel,” said Santosh, a pilgrim from Maharashtra, her voice trembling as she recalled the moment help arrived.
Army came like God
Santosh and her group were stuck in Bhairon Ghati, en route to Gangotri, with no food or shelter. “We were scared and helpless. Then the Army came like God. They gave us food, arranged shelter at Baba Kali Kamli Ashram, and later took us safely to Uttarkashi,” she said. Another pilgrim from Gujarat shared that his group of 24 people was at Gangotri temple when the disaster struck. “We were rescued by the Indian Army, ITBP, and local administration. We are thankful to the government,” he said.
My team of 20–25 laborers was buried under debris
Ritesh Khedkar from Pune described the weather as terrifying. “We were extremely scared. The administration helped us immediately. They walked us to a safer place and then airlifted us by helicopter,” he said. Ravindra Chauhan, a resident of Dehradun, was in Harshil for construction work. “My team of 20–25 laborers was buried under debris at the site. The Army rescued us and evacuated us to Uttarkashi. I can’t thank them enough,” he said.
According to the Secretary of Disaster Management, around 274 people have been rescued from Gangotri and nearby areas and brought to Harshil, where they are safe. These include pilgrims from various s
274 pilgrims rescued from Gangotri and surrounding areas have been safely brought to Harshil
A total of 274 pilgrims rescued from Gangotri and surrounding areas have been safely brought to Harshil, with people hailing from various states across India. The largest groups include 131 from Gujarat and 123 from Maharashtra, followed by 21 from Madhya Pradesh and 12 from Uttar Pradesh. Smaller groups include 7 from Delhi, 6 from Rajasthan, 5 each from Assam and Karnataka, 3 from Telangana, and 1 from Punjab. All rescued individuals are currently safe and being prepared for onward travel to Uttarkashi and Dehradun.
In addition, 135 people have already been evacuated from Harshil—100 to Uttarkashi and 35 to Dehradun. The remaining rescued pilgrims are being prepared for onward travel.
Rescue operation is being carried out by the Indian Army, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF, and the state administration
The rescue operation is being carried out by the Indian Army, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF, and the state administration. Despite bad weather and broken roads, the teams are working round the clock. Helicopters are being used to airlift stranded people, and food and medical aid are being provided at relief camps.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is personally monitoring the situation and has directed all agencies to provide full support to the affected. “Every life matters. We are doing everything possible,” he said.
