Over 1,000 pilgrims were evacuated by either helicopter or by road from Badrinath to Joshimath on Thursday with landslide debris blocking the national highway. Taking cognisance of the seriousness of the situation, Chief Minister Harish Rawat also reached Joshimath after inspecting the highway up to lambagad from air.
The Chief Minister said that enabling a convenient pilgrimage to Badrinath is the priority of the Government. The pilgrimage will not be stopped under any circumstances, he stressed. He directed the officials of the Public Works Department and the Border Roads Organisation to clear the highway early and also prepare an alternative route.
He said that the State Government is making all efforts to resolve the problems caused by landslide at lambagad and glacier at Kanchanganga. However, the situation near Marwadi has presented a new challenge. Rawat said the highway will be reopened within the next three days and a helicopter service from Joshimath to Govindghat will also be started.
A fare of Rs500 each will be charged for women and children while the fare for men will be Rs750 each. He directed the officials to make arrangements for food, drinking water and health facilities for those travelling on foot.