Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde announced today that more funds will be provided to Uttarakhand for rehabilitation and restoration of infrastructure damaged in the disaster.

Talking to media persons today at Dehradun, he said, as much fund required for relief and rescue operation and works for rehabilitation, will be given to the state.

He said, quality must be ensured in restoration of damaged infrastructure and for returning the glory of pilgrimage and tourist places across the state.

Our correspondent reports that the Union Tourism Ministry today announced a special package of 100 crore rupees for the restoration of tourists places damaged in the disaster specially Char Dham pilgrimage areas.

Ministry has already announced a package of 95 crore for the state. Evacuation operation was hampered today at Badrinath and Chamoli due to bad weather.

Rescuers have planned to rescue maximum stranded people by foot and sorties will be taken for old pilgrims, women, handicapped and ill persons. The Home Minister has also directed that these people be given priority in the evacuation drive.

The state government machinery has speeded up its drive for restoration of damaged infrastructure including roads, power and water supply systems in the disaster affected areas.

The District Magistrate of Uttarkashi, Chamoli and Rudraprayag have been asked to mobilize all available force and men to deliver food, medical supplies and other relief material to the affected villages.

The air drops are being carried out by small choppers in the worst affected areas in the districts. Guard of Honour has been accorded today to victims of the Air Force helicopter crash at Dehradun.

Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna, Union Tourism Minister Chiranjeevi and Army Chief General Bikram Singh, also laid wreaths over the bodies of the soldiers.