LUCKNOW, June 23, 2013: In a major step forward in the ongoing relief and rescue operations in Uttarakhand, the Army in the past 48 hours (since Friday) has been able to establish contact with nearly 1,000 stranded pilgrims in the mountain folds around Jungle Chatti in Kedar Valley. Army has evacuated all 1,000 pilgrims by air and foot. 

Using cliff assault techniques, skilled mountain rescue troops of Army evacuated 460 by foot through one of the most dangerous zones in Kedar valley. Pilgrims were given food, fresh water, medical aid, blankets and plastic sheets at Gauri Kund army camp before further evacuation to Sonprayag. 

Launching two columns simultaneously from Dharasu and Barkot, Army reached Hanuman Chetti on Saturday and surged towards Janak Chatti and Yamunotri this morning and evacuated all stranded pilgrims from Yamunotri. 

On Sunday, Army launched Phase-3 of 'Surya Hope' after Lieutenant General Anil Chait, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief participated in the relief and rescue operations. The Army Commander visited Gupt Kashi, Gauri Kund, Jungle Chatti, Goucher and Uttarkashi to reassure the people of Army's commitment to evacuate them to safely. 

Phase 3 of Surya Hope would focus on contingency plan of evacuating people by road from the hubs at Harsil, Gauri Kund and Badrinath. Army Commander accompanied by senior officers of flag rank will lead the road move by foot and take along all the people willing to walk up to the nearest road head. The operation has been planned keeping in view the weather conditions. 

Army helicopters were pressed into service by afternoon at Govindghat and Jungle Chatti. Evacuation was complete within a short span of time due to continuous and relentless efforts. Army also air lifted hygiene and sanitation stores and chemicals, blankets, food packets and medicines. More than 3000 kilograms have been dumped at major rescue centres. Two medical aid centres each have been opened at Gaurikund, Goucher, Joshimath and Harsil. 

With the launch of Burma Bridge across Alaknanda River at Lambagar on Joshimath - Bardrinath road, it is now possible for pilgrims to be evacuated by foot from Badrinath to Govindghat. Vehicular movement is already underway between Govindghat and Joshimath. 

More than 1,300 persons have been motivated by the Army to move on foot cum vehicles along the 74-kilometre-long stretch of road from Harsil to Uttarkashi. Two administrative and logistics staging areas have been set up at Sukhi and Gangnani for the benefit of people travelling by road. 

About the challenges before the Army, Lieutenant General Chait said, "The main challenge is to generate hope and instil confidence among the stranded pilgrims that we are with you during this hour of crisis." He added that Army operations will continue till the last man is brought back home.

Source: The Times of India, DT. June 23, 2013.