Dehradun, 01 August (HS). Pilgrims stranded at various places on the Kedarnath Yatra route in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand have been safely evacuated with the better coordination of SDRF, NDRF, DDRF, District Police and District Administration. About 425 pilgrims stranded in Bhimbali, Rambada, Lyncholi on the Kedarnath Yatra route have been airlifted. Apart from this, 1100 pilgrims stranded between Sonprayag and Bhimbali on the foot journey route have been taken to a safe place by making an alternative route. Along with this, Kedarnath Yatra has been stopped for the time being due to landslides at many places on the Kedarnath foot journey route, keeping in view the safety of the pilgrims. Pilgrims have been appealed to stay safe wherever they are at the moment and postpone their Kedarnath Dham Yatra.
Heavy rains in various parts of the state on Wednesday night have caused heavy damage to roads, foot bridges, power and drinking water lines as well as agricultural land. As soon as the information about the disaster was received, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami became active from the night itself and reached the State Disaster Operations Center at night and inquired about the damage caused by heavy rains across the state. He instructed the officials to remain in alert mode. On Thursday, the Chief Minister spent the entire day in the disaster-affected areas. Along with conducting an aerial survey of the disaster-affected areas of Tehri and Rudraprayag districts, he also inquired about the condition of the disaster-affected people. Along with this, he examined the arrangements made in the relief and rescue camps.
In Rudraprayag district, the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police took charge of the rescue operation from late night itself. With the better coordination of SDRF, NDRF, DDRF, District Police and District Administration, by 5 pm on Thursday, about 1500 pilgrims stranded on the Kedarnath Dham Yatra footpath and various stops were safely evacuated.