In a resounding endorsement of his leadership during times of crisis, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami dominates disaster poll in a recent disaster management survey evaluating the performance of chief ministers in disaster-affected states. The poll, which gauged public opinion on handling natural calamities, saw Dhami garnering an overwhelming 79% of the votes, far outpacing his counterparts from other vulnerable regions. This result highlights the public’s appreciation for proactive governance in the face of recurring environmental challenges in the Himalayan state.
The digital poll posed a straightforward question to participants: “Which chief minister has done the best job in disaster-hit states?” The choices were Bhagwant Mann from Punjab, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu from Himachal Pradesh, Omar Abdullah from Jammu and Kashmir, and Dhami from Uttarakhand.
According to the results, Abdullah followed distantly with 20%, while Sukhu and Mann each received a mere 1%. Voters praised Dhami for his effective management of relief efforts, rehabilitation programs, and personal visits to impacted areas. Similar sentiments echoed on community platforms, where users hailed him as their “first choice,” emphasizing his strong leadership, quick decision-making, and compassionate approach.
Dhami Dominates Disaster Poll: Disaster Management Survey
This survey comes at a pivotal time, as India grapples with the intensifying impacts of climate change, particularly in the northern states prone to flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts. Uttarakhand, nestled in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, has borne the brunt of such disasters in recent years. The most recent catastrophe struck on August 5, 2025, when a devastating flash flood hit Uttarkashi district, triggered by a cloudburst in the village of Dharali.
At least five people were confirmed dead, with over 50 reported missing amid the chaos. The floodwaters swept away homes, hotels, and infrastructure, leaving a trail of destruction that included submerged villages and blocked roads. Eyewitness accounts described harrowing scenes of people fleeing rising waters, with one local recalling, “Bhaag bhai bhaag” – run, brother, run – as mudslides and debris engulfed the area.
Over the past decade, Uttarakhand has suffered immensely, with natural calamities claiming 3,554 lives between 2017 and 2025 alone. The 2025 monsoon season exacerbated this trend, with increased construction in vulnerable zones amplifying the risks.
Experts attribute these events to a combination of climate change, deforestation, and unplanned development, which have made the region more susceptible to deadly flash floods. In response, Dhami’s administration has implemented stringent measures, including halting constructions in disaster-prone areas and holding government officials accountable for lapses.
The chief minister personally conducted ground inspections in affected districts like Haridwar and Uttarkashi, directing officials to expedite relief efforts such as reopening blocked roads, restoring water and electricity supplies, and providing immediate aid to displaced families.
Dhami’s Hands-On Leadership and Central Support
Dhami’s hands-on approach was further underscored by a high-profile visit from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 11, 2025. The PM arrived in Dehradun for an aerial survey of the disaster-hit regions, accompanied by Dhami, to assess the damage caused by heavy rains and floods. Although bad weather initially dashed plans for a comprehensive flyover, Modi chaired a review meeting with state officials, praising the swift response and committing central support for reconstruction.
A central team later commended the state’s relief operations, noting the efficient coordination in rescue and rehabilitation. Dhami, in a statement, emphasized the government’s commitment to effective disaster management, including administrative reforms to enhance preparedness.
Challenges in Other Disaster-Affected States
In contrast, the other states represented in the survey have also faced severe trials this year, underscoring the regional scale of the crisis. Jammu and Kashmir, under Omar Abdullah, endured a massive cloudburst in August 2025 that killed at least 60 people and left over 200 missing in a remote village. Flash floods and landslides along pilgrimage routes claimed additional lives, displacing thousands amid ongoing monsoon woes.
Himachal Pradesh, led by Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, reported over 300 deaths from floods and landslides since June 2025, with 23 flash floods and 16 landslides disrupting lives and infrastructure. The state has seen unprecedented natural disasters, with damages amounting to billions and calls for better climate resilience strategies. Punjab, governed by Bhagwant Mann, experienced its worst floods in decades in August 2025, with 55 fatalities, 1,900 villages submerged, and widespread displacement affecting livelihoods and agriculture. Rescuers worked tirelessly to aid stranded families, amid criticism of delayed responses.
Public Reactions and Broader Implications
Public reactions on social media platforms reflect the survey’s findings. One user posted, “Punjab, Himachal, J&K all fail. Uttarakhand’s trust wins,” celebrating Dhami’s 78.5% vote share as a testament to public blessing. Another highlighted his crisis management skills, calling it a model for others. These responses align with community feedback, where Dhami’s empathy and decisiveness stood out.
The survey’s outcome not only boosts Dhami’s political standing but also signals a broader demand for accountable leadership in disaster-prone areas. As climate experts warn of more frequent extreme weather events, states like Uttarakhand must prioritize sustainable development and robust early-warning systems. Dhami’s administration has already taken steps, such as identifying vulnerable zones and pushing for reconstruction proposals on priority. Political analysts suggest this public approval could influence upcoming policies, fostering a new model of center-state collaboration in disaster response, as seen in the Modi-Dhami partnership.
In a region where natural disasters test the mettle of governance, Dhami’s top ranking serves as an inspiration. It underscores that effective leadership – marked by presence, planning, and compassion – can make a tangible difference in saving lives and rebuilding communities. As Uttarakhand recovers from its latest ordeal, the chief minister’s performance sets a benchmark for others navigating similar challenges.
