An inter-ministerial central team led by Home Ministry official R. Prasanna arrived in Dehradun on Monday to begin a detailed assessment of the destruction caused by this year’s monsoon.
Our Correspondent reports that the team is on a multi-district visit to survey the damage in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Pauri Garhwal, Bageshwar, and Nainital, regions among the hardest hit by torrential rains and landslides. The focus of the review is on damaged roads, disrupted infrastructure, destroyed houses, and the overall impact on livelihoods.
The state government has formally requested a ₹5,702 crore relief package, of which ₹3,758 crore is earmarked for long-term mitigation measures. Between April and August alone, damages across government departments have been estimated at ₹1,944 crore. The toll stands at 81 lives lost, with 94 people still missing, most of them in flash flood–prone Dharali in Uttarkashi.
Our Correspondent adds that the devastation this year has surpassed many previous monsoon seasons, with critical highways repeatedly blocked by landslides, and villages facing prolonged isolation. In several districts, bridges have been washed away, complicating relief work and forcing the administration to rely on temporary arrangements.
The delegation’s visit marks an important step in evaluating the scale of losses and finalising central assistance. State officials have highlighted that funds are urgently required not only for immediate rehabilitation and relief, but also for long-term resilience measures, such as slope stabilisation, flood control, and upgrading drainage systems.
Our Correspondent reports that the team is expected to submit its findings to the Centre after detailed field inspections. These findings will influence the scale of financial aid granted. In addition, officials are keen to push for a more permanent disaster-mitigation plan, given Uttarakhand’s recurring vulnerability to extreme rainfall events.
Our Correspondent adds that local communities, particularly in Uttarkashi and Chamoli, continue to struggle as many remain cut off from essential services. Residents have been demanding faster restoration of road links, stronger disaster-warning systems, and improved evacuation protocols.
The state government has reiterated its commitment to working with the Centre to expedite restoration and build long-term resilience in disaster-prone areas.
