Thursday morning not only brought a ray of hope for the disaster-affected people of Tharali. When the weather cooperated, heli services became active in relief and rescue operations. Pilots operating helicopters of the Air Force, Army and Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Council (UKADA) flew 93 flights, working more than the scheduled time of duty. During this time, more than 500 passengers and relief material were transported to various places. This included the personnel of the Army, NDRF, SDRF and other agencies engaged in rescue operations, as well as stranded passengers. Relief and rescue operations were a big challenge after the disaster in Dharali of Uttarkashi. Due to the closure of the road, all hopes were pinned on heli services. The state government had instructed UCADA to provide heli services to the affected areas. In this sequence, UCADA deployed eight helicopters for this work on Thursday. On the first day, three of these helicopters started relief and rescue operations and made seven rounds. Although Chinook had reached Dehradun, it could not fly due to bad weather. At the same time, MI-17 also had to return. When the weather cleared, relief and rescue operations gained momentum through helicopter services. The Army’s Chinook helicopters carried essential equipment to Harshil as well as brought the affected people to Dehradun. By evening, Chinook and MI-17 took three flights and safely transported 112 passengers to Jolly Grant. At the same time, helicopters operated by UCADA transported 446 passengers and personnel engaged in relief and rescue from one place to another. While the Army helicopters are using the helipad in Harshil, UCADA helicopters are operating from Jhala helipad. At present, seven helicopters of UCADA are stationed in Matli. A Chinook and an Army Advanced Light Helicopter have been stationed at Chinyalisaur. These helicopters will start relief and rescue operations from here on Friday morning.
VSAT and generator transported to Matli via Chinook
The government has also transported a VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) and a generator to Matli via Chinook. It will reach Harshil in the morning. With their arrival, communication services will start functioning at a faster pace here.
Helicopters deployed in rescue operations
Chinook – 02
MI 17 – 02
UKADA – 08
Army – 03 (one LLH and two Cheetah)
Total flights operated today
UKADA – 85
Chinook – 02
MI 17 – 01
Cheetah – 05
Advanced Light Helicopter – 01
Total – 15
Number of passengers brought
Gangotri to Harshil – 274
Gangotri to Nelang – 19
Harsil to Matli – 255
Harsil to Jolly Grant – 112
Relief and rescue teams working in Nelang
Army Medical – 50
Tokla TC – 50
Special Force (Agri) – 115
Fire Department – 24
ITBP – 32
