BOKARO, June 27, 2013: Emotions ran high when pilgrims, who were stranded in the rain-ravaged Uttarakhand, returned home after a harrowing experience. 

More than 65 residents of Bokaro have returned till date, some are on their way back while others are still stranded or missing, said sources. Those who returned safely were given warm welcome by the residents of the area surrounded by friends, neighbours and relatives. Of a group of 60 men and women of Bermo, who were on a tour to Kedarnath, 56 of them have returned. Those missing are Tekochand Giri, Anant Giri and Kishori Devi, hailing from Chirudih village. Local people garlanded and hugged them as they reached their hometown. 

Padmavati Devi (47) of Tarmi area, is still in shock as it is difficult for her to forget the horrible sight of several dead bodies scattered everywhere. "We were returning after darshan at Kedarnath and had almost reached the temple when it started raining heavily and soon we heard roars and everything around started trembling. People started running here and there shouting for help. We also rushed towards a tree for shelter and in next few minutes the area came under gushing water. The wave was so strong that it destroyed everything that came in its way. 

However the six of them remained at that spot for the whole day and later climbed mountains and reached Gauri Kund. ''We spent two days without food before receiving relief from the army choppers. We are lucky to survive," she said wiping her tears. 

Sheila Devi said that she will never forget the near-death experience she survived in Kedarnath. "We ate leaves to survive. We saw people looting gold ornaments from dead bodies and steaking money from pilgrims. It was man-versus-man situation. At Gauri Kund a bottle of water was sold at Rs 100 and a packet of biscuit cost Rs 200. It was god who saved us ,'' she said. 

Apart from them, a group of seven residents, who were stranded at Uttarkashi also returned on Tuesday. Sucheta Chaityana, a saint of Chinmaya Mission who led the group said they have seen death from very close quarters. "We saw buildings collapsing in the river. Several people died. We spent sleepless nights in fear. Electricity, water and phones lines snapped leaving us handicapped in that desolate place". 

Pankaj Lata an engineer with the Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) and resident of Sector-IV is still waiting for his parents and relatives. His father Yogender Lata and mother Lalita with two relatives are stranded in Badrinath for past nine days. It was around five days ago when Pankaj got to know about their well being. "My father called me and said they had put up in a hotel there. The temple trust is serving them food once a day. However we are worried and praying for their early homecoming," he said.

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