There have been reports that environmental degradation and deforestation due to large scale hydro power and other projects were responsible for the floods that ravaged many areas of the hill state.
Tewari refused to be drawn into a discussion on the causes of the disaster, and said it was not the time to figure out whether this was a man-made disaster.
"Whatever has happened is very sad and unfortunate. Today we should not focus on whether it is a man-made disaster or a natural calamity. We should concentrate on finding ways to rescue those who are stuck," the information and broadcasting minister said.
Thousands are said to be missing in Uttarakhand after unprecedented rains and cloudburst led to landslides and flash floods. More than 200 people were killed and over 50,000 are still stranded.
