LUCKNOW, June 27, 2013: Evacuation of stranded pilgrims continued from Badrinath and Harsil on Thursday, and 532 stranded persons evacuated by air from Harsil leaving 100-150 persons to be evacuated. 

At least 450 persons were evacuated by helicopters from Badrinath on Thursday, while 900 set out on foot. Nearly 244 have already reached Joshimath, and the rest are on their way. Evacuation was still on when last reports came in. 

Search is also on in Pithoragarh district of Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, with 100 persons evacuated from isolated and cut off places and brought to Dharchula where they were given food, water and medical aid by the Army. 

Hemkund axis has been totally cleared of all pilgrims. Army veterinary team returned to Joshimath after providing medical assistance to stranded animals and mules between Govindghat and Ghagria. Animal rations and veterinary medicines were also rushed to Gauri Kund for use by local people for their stranded livestock. 

Army constructed another temporary foot bridge at Sonprayag for use by local population, and its endeavour is to save every life - be it human or animal. More than 8,500 Army personnel & 13 helicopters have been pressed into service to provide rescue & relief in Uttarakhand. 

All able-bodied and willing people were motivated by army to undertake journey from Badrinath to Joshimath by a combination of foot and vehicles. The distance travelled by foot is 12 kilometres, the rest of the 31 kilometres was undertaken by 31 kilometres. 

Lieutenant General Anil Chait, general officer commanding-in-chief central command accompanied 500 persons on what truly is a historic journey by foot from Pandukeshwar to Govind Ghat. The Army Commander expressed Army's resolve and solidarity with the people and lauded their courage and efforts to undertake road journey. 

Source: The times of India, DT. June 27, 2013.