Chandigarh, June 20, 2013: The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, is closely monitoring the evacuation of pilgrims from Uttrakhand after a massive natural disaster there.
Badal has already deputed a team of official led by K.S. Pannu, IAS, Director General School Education and Khubi Ram, DIG to coordinate the relief operations in an orderly manner.
A chopper has already been pressed into service and more than 300 pilgrims were evacuated yesterday. According to Kahan Singh Pannu 500 Pilgrims are expected to be evacuated today, permitting weathers conditions. The Deputy Chief Minister has already spoken to Uttrakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna, who has thanked the Deputy Chief Minister for coordinating relief operations and offered full support to Punjab teams in evacuation operations.
Badal who is in constant touch with team, has also asked the Transport Department to press into service the buses of Punjab Roadways and PRTC to bring back the Pilgrims from the base station. According to initial estimate over 3,000 Pilgrims belonging to Punjab are struck there.