Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took cognisance of the incident in which a Bailey bridge at Tamaknala on the Jyotirmath-Malari motor road in Chamoli district was washed away due to an intense flow of water. The Chief Minister sought information about the incident from Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman and directed officials to give the highest priority to relief and rescue operations.
The Chief Minister directed officials to maintain special vigilance in lower-lying areas and around rivers and streams, ensure the safety of people in vulnerable areas, and completely restrict movement on the affected route until the situation returns to normal. He also instructed the administration to ensure that the bridge being washed away does not disrupt the supply of ration, food, medicines and other essential items to nearby villages. If necessary, essential supplies should be delivered to villagers through alternative routes.
Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman said the State Emergency Operations Centre was monitoring Chamoli and all other vulnerable areas of the state around the clock. Continuous coordination was being maintained with district administration officials and concerned departments.
He said that the Bailey bridge at Tamaknala on the Jyotirmath-Malari motor road, constructed by 123 BRTF, Suraithota, was completely washed away after being hit by the strong water flow. According to the information received, one person and a vehicle were reportedly swept away in the sudden increase in water flow.
As soon as information about the incident was received, teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were dispatched to the site. Teams from the local administration, police and concerned departments were also engaged in relief and rescue operations.
Movement Towards Malari Completely Restricted
As a safety measure, vehicular movement towards Malari on the Jyotirmath-Malari motor road has been completely stopped. The administration has appealed to people to stay away from affected and vulnerable areas and not to travel on the route until conditions return to normal.
The Disaster Management Secretary said special monitoring was being carried out in lower-lying and riverside areas in view of rising water levels in rivers and streams and the possibility of sudden increases in water flow. The concerned district administration has been directed to take necessary precautionary measures according to local conditions and give the safety of residents the highest priority.
