"Extremely heartbreaking": UP CM Yogi on loss of lives in Dehradun's Sahastradhara incident; announces 2 lakh financial aid

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], September 16 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday expressed condolences and announced financial aid of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the bereaved people who lost their lives in Dehradun's Sahastradhara incident.
Three people were buried under debris in Dehradun's Sahastradhara area as a result of heavy rainfall that led to flooding in the area and caused severe damage to houses and properties across the State, authorities said on Tuesday.
In a post shared on X, Uttar Pradesh CM said, "The loss of lives in the unfortunate accident that occurred in the Tons River in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand is extremely heartbreaking. My condolences are with the bereaved families."
"Instructions have been given to the officials to provide financial assistance of ₹2-2 lakh to the families of the residents of Uttar Pradesh who lost their lives in this incident and to ensure that each mortal remains is respectfully transported back home. I pray to Lord Shri Ram that the departed souls find a place at His divine feet and that the injured recover swiftly," CM Yogi added.

उत्तराखंड के जनपद देहरादून में टोंस नदी में दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण दुर्घटना में हुई जनहानि अत्यंत दु:खद है।

मेरी संवेदनाएं शोक संतप्त परिजनों के साथ हैं।

इस घटना में काल-कवलित हुए उत्तर प्रदेश निवासियों के परिजनों को ₹02-02 लाख की आर्थिक सहायता एवं प्रत्येक पार्थिव शरीर को…

— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) September 16, 2025

Meanwhile, the rescue team of the district administration, including personnel from NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) and Police Department teams, rushed to the site and initiated the rescue operation.

Ajay Pant, Assistant Commandant, NDRF, said, "As you can see, the situation is very bad due to cloudbursts. There has been a lot of damage to the house and properties. We got information that three people have been trapped in the debris. Search operation has to be stopped as debris and water are coming down from the hills..."
The rescue team continued operation in Malnigad and Majad villages of the Sahastradhara area. Disaster Response personnel also rescued a total of 200 students who were stranded after the Devbhoomi Institute campus located in the Paunda area of Dehradun in Uttarakhand got waterlogged today following heavy overnight rains.
Damage to roads, houses and other infrastructure were reported from several places of the state in the downpour. After receiving information about 200 students being stranded at the institute, rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) Corps rushed to the spot and pulled them out to safety.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today conducted an on-site inspection of affected areas, including Sahastradhara, Raipur, and other localities in Dehradun that were impacted by the heavy rain.
The Chief Minister also inspected Kesarwala, Maldevta area, where a 100-meter-long road was washed away in Maldevta, Raipur, due to the heavy flow of water triggered by heavy rains in the Sahastradhara area of Dehradun district.
Addressing reporters, Dhami said, "There has been a lot of damage to houses and government properties. Livelihood is affected. We are working to get things back on track. Connectivity has been disrupted at several places. The water level of rivers has increased. All our departments are working on a war footing. PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with me this morning and took all the details. They assured us that all possible help will be provided. We are working to help the people affected in this disaster..."
In a post on X, the Chief Minister said that he is constantly in touch with the local administration and is personally monitoring the situation. Furthermore, the Uttarakhand Police monitored the affected areas and appealed to people to avoid unnecessary travel and stay in safe places.
Torrential rains have lashed Dehradun causing the Sahastradhara river to overflow. The gushing waters carried debris into the main market area, leading to significant damage to several commercial establishments. The shops and hotels were severely damaged after debris came into the main market area. (ANI)