Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami declared a state of disaster in the wake of relentless downpours, stating that the cumulative damage has soared beyond ₹1,000 crore. The ongoing monsoon season has led to ruinous consequences, eradicating crops, obliterating infrastructure like roads, bridges, residences, and cattle shelters, as well as claiming both human and animal lives.
In his statement, Dhami noted the severity of the situation, emphasizing the substantial financial toll and the continuing impact of the active monsoon. Addressing the media post his return from Delhi, where he assessed the rain-induced situation, Dhami outlined plans to establish a state-led initiative. This initiative aims to provide aid and rehabilitation to the affected populace, with special consideration for children who have been orphaned due to rain-related calamities.
Dhami also informed that a governmental team from the central administration has already conducted an initial evaluation of the damage and will subsequently conduct a comprehensive assessment of the losses inflicted by the calamity.
In response to inquiries regarding the mounting influx of tourists in Uttarakhand’s urban centers, the Chief Minister acknowledged the issue. He highlighted that the state’s disaster management authority is actively engaged in evaluating the load-bearing capacity of key tourist destinations. This proactive approach is geared towards safeguarding both residents and visitors while ensuring the sustainable development of the state’s tourist hotspots.
