In a rapid and concerted effort to address a devastating mudslide caused by a sudden cloudburst, the Indian Army has initiated an extensive rescue and relief operation in the Kheer Gad region near Harshil. The mission is spearheaded by Colonel Harshvardhan, the Commanding Officer of the 14 Rajputana Rifles (RAJRIF) battalion, and commenced on August 5, 2025. A dedicated team of 150 personnel is working tirelessly around the clock to locate missing individuals and provide assistance to those affected.
The disaster unfolded around 1:45 PM on a Tuesday, resulting in the tragic disappearance of nine soldiers and extensive damage across the area, which includes severing road access to the revered Gangotri Dham. Despite their personal loss, Army personnel are actively leading the relief operations, showcasing an unwavering commitment to safeguarding civilians.
To enhance the effectiveness of the rescue mission, various resources have been deployed, including tracker dogs, surveillance drones, and heavy earthmoving equipment. The Indian Air Force has also joined the effort, utilizing helicopters to deliver crucial medical supplies and evacuate stranded individuals amidst ongoing heavy rainfall that is further elevating water levels in the region.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has been diligently monitoring the situation, overseeing the coordination between the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). He described the event as “deeply painful” and expressed assurance that every possible effort is being made to assist those affected by the disaster.
This operation exemplifies the Indian Armed Forces’ longstanding commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions, a readiness that has been reinforced through prior training, such as the Chakravat 2023 exercise held in Goa. As Uttarakhand grapples with the challenges posed by the aftermath of this calamity, the bravery and dedication of the rescue teams serve as a beacon of hope and resilience for the nation.
