He further criticized the scientific assessment, claiming that scientists from Wadia Institute and Uttarakhand Council for Science and Technology (UCOST), sent to study the situation, remained confined to the area instead of visiting the ground zero. He suggested that critical disaster management protocols were ignored, sarcastically noting that "Class 2 level work was assigned to those who have only passed the 12th grade."

The official toll confirmed five deaths, with approximately 67 people listed as missing (approved for death registration), including 25 Nepali nationals. Kothiyal’s numbers suggest a far greater loss of life and a massive failure in comprehensive search operations.

"The Army utilized their expertise; NDRF, ITBP, and others were not used according to their specialization," Kothiyal reportedly said, urging the system to emulate the Army’s dedication to finding the missing so they may find 'Moksha' (salvation).

Following the uproar, the opposition has mobilized. State Congress President Ganesh Godiyal is scheduled to visit Dharali. Dr. Pratima Singh, senior Congress spokesperson, told TNIE, "BJP is inadvertently exposing its own failures. Congress President Karan Mahara visited the victims despite administrative restrictions at the time of the tragedy. The families of the buried are still crying out for help, and the government has failed to listen," she said.