In a significant display of on-the-ground leadership, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted a comprehensive field inspection of the disaster-affected Tharali tehsil in Chamoli district on August 24th (Sunday), personally meeting with victims of a devastating cloudburst and assuring them of the government’s full support. The visit, which came less than 48 hours after the calamity struck, saw the Chief Minister stop his convoy to directly interact with locals, a gesture that underscored his government’s commitment to providing a compassionate and swift response to the ongoing monsoon-related crises in the state.
The cloudburst, which occurred in the early hours of August 23rd, triggered flash floods and landslides in the region, causing immense damage to public and private property. The torrential downpour led to a deluge of debris and mud that swept through villages and the main market area of Tharali, damaging houses, government offices, and burying several vehicles. The devastation left two people dead, including a 21-year-old woman, and caused numerous injuries. In the immediate aftermath, more than 150 people were relocated to relief camps, where they have been provided with food, shelter, and medical care. The severity of the disaster, which also led to the closure of crucial roads like the Tharali-Gwaldam highway, prompted the immediate mobilisation of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for rescue and relief operations.
During his visit to the affected area and the relief camps, Chief Minister Dhami’s actions went beyond a formal review. In a moment that resonated with the local populace, his convoy came to a halt when he noticed a group of affected residents, and he broke official protocol to walk among them. He took the time to listen to their personal stories of loss and displacement, a stark contrast to the usual high-level, insulated inspections. The Chief Minister’s direct engagement provided a much-needed sense of reassurance to the villagers, many of whom have lost their homes and livelihoods in a matter of hours.
Responding to a plea from the villagers to expedite the clearing of roads to the upper villages, which have been cut off from the main town, Chief Minister Dhami gave his personal assurance that the work was being carried out on a “war footing.” He pledged to personally return and take stock of the situation as soon as the roads were safely accessible. This proactive and transparent approach is reminiscent of his conduct during the Dhadali disaster earlier this month, where he remained in the affected region for three consecutive days to personally monitor the relief and rescue efforts. This demonstrated commitment to a hands-on approach has become a hallmark of his administration’s response to natural calamities.
In addition to his personal interaction with the victims, the Chief Minister announced significant financial aid for the affected families. He directed officials to provide an immediate compensation of ₹5 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and to those whose homes were completely destroyed. He also instructed the district administration to make a fast and comprehensive assessment of all damaged assets and to ensure the proper rehabilitation of those who have been rendered homeless. The decision to hand over all disaster-related investigations to the Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID) further highlights the government’s resolve to maintain accountability and transparency in its response.
The Chief Minister’s visit and his subsequent directives have been met with a sense of relief and optimism in the Chamoli district, where residents are now hopeful of a swift and coordinated recovery. The government’s clear message is that it stands firmly with every affected family and that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that aid, relief, and rehabilitation reach every corner of the disaster-hit region.
