Army Chief Visits Uttarakhand

The Army Chief General Bikram Singh today visited the flood affected state of Uttarakhand to laud to the efforts of soldiers and junior leaders who saved the lives of fellow countrymen while risking their own lives. Interacting with the soldiers on ground, the Army Chief appreciated their valiant efforts to search, locate, establish contact and then conduct rescue, relief and evacuation operations on an unprecedented scale.

Interacting later with the journalists at Gaucher, the Army Chief said that large number of soldiers hail from Uttarakhand and their own families have suffered. Unmindful of their personal concerns, the soldiers took active part in relief and rescue operations. In fact, some even refused to take leave and get back to their home to attend to their kith and kin. The Army Chief further added that our troops have exhibited commitment unparalleled in history. He complimented Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and Jawans for a job well done and gave them a pat for their efforts. Commenting on the people still left, Gen Singh said that there are less than 500 at Harsil and upto 3000 at Badrinath. Without setting exact timeline for completion of operation as it is dependent on weather conditions, the Army Chief went onto say that all efforts are underway to evacuate all at the earliest. As far as Badrinath is concerned, he said that the road is open. The Army constructed a class 3 bridge over Alaknanda River. People have walked and in fact the Army Commander himself walked over it. People can also move by road. He said that all people have been evacuated from Kedarnath. Replying to a question about the role of the Army in helping the state administration to rehabilitate and rebuild, the Army Chief reiterated that the Army is in aid to civil authorities. Army is there to strengthen the hands of the civil administration. Army is in their support. It was a very difficult operation but the valiant efforts of soldiers on ground resulted in saving lives.

Meanwhile, evacuation continued from Badrinath and Harsil today. 452 people were evacuated by air form Harsil today. 99 people have been evacuated by air from Barinath, 682 have already reached Joshimath by foot and 750 are now on their way by foot and are likely to reach Joshimath tonight. Army continued to provide shelter, food, medical aid, blankets and counselling to hundreds of people on the twelfth consecutive day of operations.

Veerendra / Sunil
(Release ID :96887)