Steps intensified to rescue AP pilgrims from Uttarakhand

Hyderabad, June 23 : Following the instructions of Chief Minister N.Kiran Kumar Reddy, a helicopter has been arranged for airlifting the stranded pilgrims of Andhra Pradesh.

The Chief Minister, who is touring East Godavari district, enquired about the relief and rescue measures being taken to bring back the stranded pilgrims back to Andhra Pradesh. As directed by the Chief Minister, the Minister for Civil Supplies.D.Sridhar Babu is stationed at Dehra Dun and closely monitoring the relief and rescue operations.

A team of 12 doctors consisting of physicians, surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, nursing orderly with post graduates and house surgeons will be positioned in Dehra Dun and Haridwar from Monday and will be available for a week. Another team of 10 doctors consisting of physicians, surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, pharmacists, nursing orderly with post graduates and house surgeons is positioned in A.P.Bhavan from Sunday and will be stationed for one week. This is in addition to the 4 teams consisting of 10 people which were earlier sent to Dehra Dun and Haridwar to extend assistance to the pilgrims. A special train will run from Haridwar to Andhra Pradesh on Monday.

In addition to the provision of accommodation, quality food and medical assistance at free-of-cost to the returning pilgrims, it has been decided to give a sum of Rs.2000 towards immediate relief for purchase of clothing and to meet other incidental expenses to those who are in need of assistance.

Round-the-clock control rooms are working at Secretariat, Hyderabad, at all District Headquarters, A.P.Bhavan, New Delhi and Dehra Dun, Haridwar. Two IAS officers Commissioner, Disaster Management, Dr.T.Radha and Member-Secretary, A.P.Pollution Control Board, Sanjay Kumar who were deputed are closely monitoring the rescue operations.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister spoke over phone with ministers Sridhar Babu, Danam Nagender and Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Balram Naik. The ministers informed the Chief Minister that all efforts are being made with the help of teams deputed from Andhra Pradesh, besides Army, Navy, Air Force etc.

Kiran Kumar Reddy also spoke to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna. He directed the Chief Secretary PK Mohanty and senior officials to be in constant touch and monitor the operations to bring back all tourists and pilgrims safely. INN