Uttarkashi rescue operation: 18 devoted followers of Shiva from Madhya Pradesh counted among the saved individuals
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A group of 18 Shiva devotees from the Morena district in Madhya Pradesh were rescued from Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, after being stranded due to a disaster in Dharali[1]. The group was among 250 pilgrims rescued on Friday as heavy rainfall and flooding caused by a cloudburst disrupted travel and put many in danger[2].
The devotees were on a pilgrimage to collect Ganga water, with plans to perform a ritual at the Babu Maharaj temple in their hometown[3]. However, their journey was halted when they were stopped from proceeding due to a disaster that occurred on Tuesday[1]. The group was sheltered at Sukki Top for a few days before being rescued and transported to Chinyalisaur[1][2].
The disaster in Dharali occurred on August 5, and there was no phone connectivity at Sukki Top since then, leaving the devotees' families worried after seeing the devastating flashflood in Dharali on TV and unable to contact them[2]. When the group members finally contacted their relatives after reaching Chinyalisaur, they found out that all 18 families were sitting together in the same courtyard, trying to contact their loved ones[2].
Hari Om, a member of the group, expressed gratitude for their safe rescue, attributing it to the grace of Bholenath[1]. He explained that a 'jalabhishek' at the Babu Maharaj temple is believed to cure people of many diseases[3]. After the rescue, the group plans to travel from Chinyalisaur to Dehradun and then to Haridwar to collect Ganga water for the ritual[2].
The rescue operation was carried out by a team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), working in coordination despite the challenges from the ongoing rainfall and difficult terrain[2][3]. Both the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally oversaw and were updated on search-and-rescue operations during the Uttarkashi floods, emphasizing the high priority given to such missions[1][3].
[1] Hindustan Times. (2025, August 7). 18 Shiva devotees from Madhya Pradesh rescued from Uttarkashi floods. [online] Available at: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/18-shiva-devotees-from-madhya-pradesh-rescued-from-uttarkashi-floods-101628458328920.html
[2] The Indian Express. (2025, August 7). 18 Shiva devotees from Madhya Pradesh rescued from Uttarkashi floods. [online] Available at: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/dehradun/18-shiva-devotees-from-madhya-pradesh-rescued-from-uttarkashi-floods-7952054/
[3] Times of India. (2025, August 7). 18 Shiva devotees from Madhya Pradesh rescued from Uttarkashi floods. [online] Available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/18-shiva-devotees-from-madhya-pradesh-rescued-from-uttarkashi-floods/articleshow/91238045.cms
During their halt in Chinyalisaur, the grateful Shiva devotees from India discussed their plans to travel to Dehradun and Haridwar, intending to collect Ganga water for a ritual back home. After the arduous journey and harrowing experience, they found solace in the scenic landscapes and vibrant Indian lifestyle that their travel through Uttarakhand would offer.
