In Uttarakhand over 1700 persons were evacuated today both by air and on foot from Harshil , Badrinath and Pithoragarh. Talking to media persons this evening at Dehradun the State Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar told media persons that 711 were evacuated today from Harshil by air and with this Harshil has been cleared of stranded people.

Mr Kumar said that in Badrinath Army today motivated all able-bodied and willing people to undertake journey to Joshimath by a combination of foot march and vehicles. He said Army Commander of Central Area Command Lt Gen Anil Chait accompanied people on foot from Pandukeshwar to Govindghat.

They will reach Joshimath by tonight. About 500 people were evacuated by helicopters from Badrinath today. The Chief Secretary said only 2500 pilgrims and locals are now stranded at Badrinath and they will be evacuated with 3 to 4 days if weather helps.

AIR correspondent reports from Dehradun that about 200 were evacuated from isolated and cut off places in Pithoragarh and were brought to Dharchula. Hemkund in Chamoli has been totally cleared of all pilgrims. Combing search operation in Kedar valley conducted by the Army, ITBP and NDRF were also been completed today.

Army has deputed its veterinary doctors team for providing medical assistance to stranded animals and mules between Govindghat and Ghaghariya. Animal rations and veterinary medicines were also rushed to Gaurikund.

An official spokesperson has said that reports for 3000 missing persons have been received from rescued persons. He said Government was trying to locate the missing persons on the basis of last calls made by the missing persons from of their mobile phones.

The spokesperson said call details of missing persons are being sought from the mobile service providers. He said the state government has decided to declare the missing person dead if he or she does not return within a month and formalities will be completed for compensation.

Meanwhile the state machinery has speedup its drive for restoration of damaged infrastructures including roads, power and water supply systems in the disaster affected areas.

The Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna today visited the Pithoragarh district to see the rescue operations.