LUCKNOW: Unlike states like Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the UP government has not taken any initiative to help the tourists from Lucknow stranded in the flood ravaged Uttarakhand. With helpline numbers of Uttarakhand not working and no information about the pilgrims, their family members back home are helpless and anxious. 

The other states have started helpline services to provide information about the pilgrims stranded in the flood affected areas of Uttarakhand. On the basis of information provided by the family members at the helpline numbers, officials of the states concerned are contacting Uttarakhand authorities to rescue the stranded passengers. Even Chhattisgarh government has sent a team of officials to Uttarakhand to rescue its natives. 

But no such help is available for UP tourists stuck in the neighbouring state. Sudhir Shulka, an advocate, received last information about his seven family members that they all are in Gauri Kund. "As a large number of people are trying the helpline numbers of Uttarakhand, the lines are constantly busy. The mobile phones of my family members are discharged. My family members are trapped in a flood affected area and I do not know anything about their condition," said Shukla. 

Annapurna Rastogi's son and daughter-in-law were on a pilgrimage to Kedarnath. She last spoke to them three days back. She said, "I'm concerned about the well being and security of my children. I have no clue whether they are in a safe zone or not." 

Shewta Singh's sister Shivani was also on a visit to Uttarakhand. Shivani has managed to reach a relief camp near Kedarnath. "Shivani told us that the situation is dreadful as many buildings have collapsed. While all the roads are blocked, the bridges have swept away. There is no power supply and the food is limited," said Shweta. 

Meanwhile, speaking on the rescue work, state relief commissioner L Venkateshwarlu said since things are not in their hands they are unable to offer help to the stranded pilgrims from UP.