India, Sept. 28 -- Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to ensure the safe return of trekkers and porters stranded in the high Himalayan region of Uttarkashi following snowfall, according to a state government release.

Dhami spoke by telephone with the secretary, Disaster Management, to take detailed information about the ongoing relief and rescue operation, the release said.

The chief minister directed that the safety of all trekkers and porters who had travelled to high Himalayan areas for trekking and mountaineering be treated as the top priority. He instructed officials to use all necessary resources effectively to ensure that every person is brought to safety.

The directions come after snowfall in ...