Jaipur, June 23, 2013: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has postponed the next phase of his Sandesh Yatra and has left for Uttarakhand to aid and supervise relief operations in the flood-hit hill State.

Mr. Gehlot cancelled his return to Jaipur and stayed in Dehra Dun on Saturday discussing the rescue and relief scenario with Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna.

“We have rented two helicopters to rescue people. Some people have already been rescued and once the weather clears up, we will send our choppers to Badrinath and Joshimath to rescue more affected people,” said Mr. Gehlot.

Mr. Gehlot also visited hospitalised victims and supervised the relief camps being run by the Rajasthan Government.

The Rajasthan Government has already announced a financial assistance of Rs. 2 crore to aid the rescue and relief operations in Uttarakhand.

Source: The Hindu, DT. June 23, 2013.