Puducherry, June 24, 2013: The 49 pilgrims from Puducherry who were stranded in Sukhitop have now travelled to Harsil in Uttarakashi district from where they are waiting to be airlifted to the nearby town of Chinali.

Speaking to The-Hindu on the present position of the pilgrims, Resident Commissioner in New Delhi K.R. Meena, who is currently in Dehradun to monitor the situation, said the pilgrims had travelled around 10 to 15km by foot from Sukhitop and then were transported by road to reach Harsil, where the helipad is located. They left Sukhitop at around 6.30 am and reached Harsil by 10 am.

Since a large number of pilgrims were waiting to be airlifted, those from Puducherry would have to wait until Monday to leave Harsil, but since it was a larger town, there was sufficient food and medical care available. Depending on the weather on Monday, their plans would be determined, but so far the weather in Harsil was good, Mr. Meena said.

The pilgrims would be transported from Harsil to Chinali, which is located nearby. From there, they would travel by road to Hrishikesh and then to New Delhi.

Local Administration Minister N.G. Pannir Selvam has travelled to Uttarakhand and met Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna who assured him of the pilgrim’s safety, he said.

On Sunday, Union Minister of State for the Prime Minister’s Office Narayanasamy urged the general public and companies to contribute towards the relief fund for which Centre has already assured Rs 1000 crore.

On Sunday, Kadirgamam unit of Congress contributed Rs. 1.18 lakh to the relief works.

Source: The Hindu, DT. June 24, 2013.