In Uttarakhand all pilgrims, tourists and local residents stranded at Ghanghariya in Chamoli district and Gangotri in Uttarkashi have been completely evacuated.
Stating this to media persons at Dehradun this evening, state Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar said that stranded people have been brought to Joshimath and Harshil by the helicopters wherefrom they would be sent to the nearest railway stations at Haridwar, Dehradun, Kathgodam, Haldwani, and Kotdwor.
He said all arrangements including stay and food for the pilgrims have been made at bus and railway stations. Mr. Kumar said 2000 rupees each is being paid by the local administration to stranded people returning to their destinations.
The Chief Secretary said about 82 thousand stranded pilgrims and tourists have been evacuated till now and about 35 helicopters both from army and private sectors have been pressed into operation for airlifting of stranded people.
He said air evacuation is taking place from Jangalchatti a remote place in Kedar valley and about 500 pilgrims were evacuated today from there. He said earlier Kedarnath temple area was completely evacuated but stranded people at higher reaches are now reaching at temple area.
AIR correspondent reports that Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde today made ariel survey of affected area and reviewed rescue and relief operation conducted by the Army, ITBP and NDRF. He assured the state government for all possible help from the centre for rescue and relief operations.
Mr. Shinde reached this morning at Dehradun accompanied by the Union Home Secretary RK Singh, ITBP DG Ajay Chaddha, and former Union Home secretary VK Duggal, who has been appointed by the government to look after the coordination among rescue agencies. Mr Shinde emphasised proper coordination among rescue relief operation agencies.
Army`s search operations are continuing between Gaurikund and Rambada on the Kedarnath valley and its troops have established contact with more than 1000 persons stranded in mountain folds. Food and medicines have also been dropped and two medical teams have now established at Gaurikund to treat patients.
Army in Badrinath valley has set up a heli-bridge at Govind Ghat to transport pilgrims across the Alaknanda River. Army column reached today Barkot on Yamunotri region. They would start evacuating people from Yamunotri by tomorrow. As per the latest data, approximately 700 people are at Yamunotri. In Pithoragarh district Army is in the process of establishing link up with approximately 1000 people in Sobala at Tawaghat – Dharchula region. All 45 children who were stranded on Pindari glacier in Bageshwar district have been evacuated. Search operations are on to link up with 10 to 12 people stranded on Sunderdhunga glacier.
AIR correspondent reports that the next 24 hours are crucial for the relief and rescue operation as weather experts has forecast for drizzling and moderate rains from tomorrow and bad weather is likely to hamper the process.
Meanwhile 15 Nepalese have been arrested in Rudraprayag district allegedly involved in looting and exploiting the stranded pilgrims.
