New Delhi, August 8 – The Indian Army has successfully rescued ten pilgrims from Banaskantha district in Gujarat who were stranded in Dharali, Uttarakhand, following a disaster. The rescued pilgrims were transported to Rishikesh and are now on their way back to Banaskantha.
The group, residents of Chichodra village in Bhabhar taluka, had travelled to Uttarakhand on a religious pilgrimage. Communication with their families was lost on August 5 due to the disaster, causing growing concern among relatives. As per agency report, contact was re-established on August 7 at around 4 pm, allowing families to connect via video calls and breathe a sigh of relief.
Officials confirmed that the Army evacuated ten out of eleven pilgrims from the disaster-hit area by helicopter, while one pilgrim chose to continue the journey voluntarily. The region’s connectivity suffered severe disruption after a cloudburst in Dharali, which damaged roads and communication networks.
In response, the Army swiftly deployed satellite and radio relay systems, enabling stranded people to reconnect with their families through satellite internet. The Army’s Engineer Regiment also began critical repair and construction work to restore access between Dharali and Mukhwa village.
According to Uttarkashi Police, rescue operations are being carried out jointly by the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, fire services, and the revenue department. Stranded individuals are being airlifted to the ITBP camp in Matli, with operations continuing since morning. Authorities have confirmed that the rescue mission will go on until the entire area is cleared.
