Dehradun. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reached Kedarghati and conducted an aerial survey of the rain-affected area. After this, he held a review meeting with the officials and discussed the situation and gave necessary guidelines. The Chief Minister said that from Wednesday, Kedarnath Yatra will be started by helicopter at 25 percent less fare. Also, special attention is being given to start the pilgrimage on foot soon. He said that the discount given in helicopter tickets will be borne by the state government.
After reaching Sonprayag on Tuesday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed all the departments related to the Yatra route and took information about the damage caused by the rain. He also got information about the efforts being made by the departments to restart the journey. The CM said that the Gaurikund-Kedarnath walking route has been completely destroyed at 29 places. Along with this, the Rudraprayag-Gaurikund National Highway has also suffered extensive damage. Heavy rains have damaged electricity, water lines as well as government properties. Which should be repaired on priority.
The Chief Minister said that after the heavy rains, the district administration, disaster management along with SDRF, NDRF, DDRF and other organizations have played a role in taking the stranded passengers and others to safe places with full dedication. He directed the District Magistrate to take suggestions and help from the local people in the work to be done to start the journey. Minister in-charge Saurabh Bahuguna, Chief Secretary Radha Raturi, DGP Abhinav Kumar, PWD Secretary Pankaj Pandey, Disaster Secretary Vinod Suman, Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, IG KS Nagnyal etc. were present on this occasion.
Rescued more than 12 thousand people in record time
In a review meeting held in Sonprayag, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that in the situation arising after heavy rains, the security forces have rescued more than 12 thousand people safely in record time. Said that the damage caused to the footpath and road due to heavy rains has to be repaired soon. Along with this, focus is also being given on alternative routes for easy and accessible access to Kedarnath.
Interacted with local people
The Chief Minister also directly interacted with the common people, public representatives, priests and disaster affected people of Kedar Valley in Rampur. Said that all those who cooperated in the rescue operation by walking hand in hand with the government and administration deserve congratulations, I am grateful to them. He expressed special gratitude to Gram Pradhan Mulayam Singh Tindori of Gram Panchayat Chaumasi, President of Gram Pradhan Organization Subhash Rawat, President of Kedar Sabha Rajkumar Tiwari etc. for their cooperation in relief and rescue work. The Chief Minister, while listening to the problems of the disaster affected people, assured them that all the problems will be resolved on priority.
