LUCKNOW, June 27, 2013: Lt Gen Anil Chait, army commander, central command, accompanied 500 people on what truly is a historic journey by foot from Pandukeshwar to Govind Ghat in the ongoing relief and rescue operations in calamity-struck Uttarakhand. All able bodied and willing people were motivated by army to undertake journey. While 12 km was covered by foot, remaining 31 km was on vehicles. 

According to press release issued by the Central Command, the army commander expressed army's resolve and solidarity with the people and lauded their courage and efforts to undertake road journey. People were pleasantly surprised to see the senior most army commander walking along with them. 

Evacuation of stranded pilgrims continued from both Badrinath and Harsil. Around 532 stranded people were evacuated today by air from Harsil leaving just 100 to 150 locals to be evacuated. With this all pilgrims have been evacuated from Harsil. At least 450 people were evacuated by helicopters from Badrinath. Around 900 people set out on foot. While 244 have already reached Joshimath, the rest others are on their way and are expected to reach by tonight. Evacuation was still on when last reports came in. 

Evacuation is also on in Pithoragarh district of Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Around100 people were evacuated from isolated and cut off places and were 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 live stock. 

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

Source: the Times of India, DT. June 27, 2013.