The first batch of pilgrims and tourists from West Bengal, stranded in Uttarakhand following landslips and floods there, has left for home, State Planning Minister Rachpal Singh told the press over telephone from the hill State on Thursday. 

State Transport Minister Madan Mitra said that so far nearly 1,500 pilgrims and tourists from the State have been tracked. 

Rescue camps

The State government has arranged for the setting up of two camps — at Haridwar and Rishikesh — for the stranded from West Bengal.