Uttarkashi Cloudburst: What Is 'RECCO Radar' And Why Is It Critical In The Dharali Search Operation?

Last Updated:August 07, 2025, 13:07 IST

The RECCO Radar is a sophisticated ground-penetrating detection system designed to locate people buried under snow or debris

The Indian Army has deployed 225 soldiers and several drones for the rescue operations. (PTI Photo)

The picturesque Harshil Valley turned into a scene of devastation after a cloudburst struck Dharali village in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district on Tuesday, leaving behind wreckage, fear, and a desperate search for survivors. Roads vanished, a crucial bridge collapsed, and homes and shops were swallowed by debris. While rescue teams continue to pull survivors from the rubble, a high-tech device is now playing a pivotal role in the mission, the ‘RECCO Radar’.

So far, five people have been confirmed dead, while over 50 people remain missing beneath layers of debris. Rescue teams have managed to evacuate more than 70 residents in the past 36 hours. But with terrain nearly impossible to navigate and rubble stretching wide and deep, conventional methods have proven slow. That’s where RECCO Radar comes in, a game-changing technology making its debut on this scale in Uttarakhand.

What Is RECCO Radar?

RECCO Radar is a sophisticated ground-penetrating detection system designed to locate people buried under snow or debris. Originally developed for avalanche rescues, it works by detecting RECCO reflectors that are embedded in various personal items like jackets, helmets, and backpacks. The radar can scan up to 20 metres deep and delivers fast, accurate feedback on possible human presence.

At present, seven teams are actively using the RECCO system near Tekla in Dharali. According to officials, it has significantly improved their ability to identify potential survivors, especially in areas that are too dangerous or unstable for manual digging. The radar system was previously used effectively during the landslide crisis in Kochi, Kerala, but never before at this scale in the Himalayas.

Army Camp Swept Away

Among the worst-hit sites is the Indian Army’s camp in Harshil. After the cloudburst, 11 soldiers were reported missing. Two have since been rescued, but the search continues for one Junior Commissioned Officer and eight other personnel. Army units are stationed throughout Dharali, and engineering teams have been mobilised to clear debris and reconstruct vital roads and bridges.

225 Soldiers on Ground, Drones in Air

The Indian Army has deployed 225 soldiers, including combat engineers, to restore movement across the region. Their immediate mission is to re-establish connectivity in order to allow faster rescue and aid distribution. Sniffer dogs trained to detect human scent beneath the rubble are also being used, while drones are providing real-time aerial monitoring to assist teams on the ground.

Air Force on Standby

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has mobilised an impressive fleet in readiness to provide aerial support – 2 Chinook helicopters, 2 Mi-17V5s, 2 Cheetahs, and an ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter). These aircraft are stationed at Sarsawa, Chandigarh, and Bareilly bases, but bad weather has delayed their deployment. Officials say once conditions improve, these helicopters will be flown into Harshil to assist with supply drops and potential air evacuations.

Dharali has become ground zero in the state’s battle against nature’s fury. With entire communities cut off and time running out for those still buried, every agency including the Army, NDRF, SDRF, BRO, and Air Force is working around the clock to rescue the survivors.

Location :

Uttarkashi, India, India

First Published:

August 07, 2025, 13:07 IST

News explainers Uttarkashi Cloudburst: What Is 'RECCO Radar' And Why Is It Critical In The Dharali Search Operation?

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