The State Government has rejected reports making rounds on the social media about money being charged from disaster affected locals in Pithoragarh for being evacuated by helicopter.
According to a statement issued by the state government, the said news is completely misleading. In view of the possibility of heavy rains and on the instructions of the Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat to safeguard the people trapped in the disaster affected areas, arrangements have been made for one helicopter each in Garhwal and Kumaon. Given the high sensitivity of Pithoragarh, it was decided to station the helicopter there. Also, clear instructions have been given to helicopter transport company that no money will be taken from people trapped in the disaster affected areas and local citizens. When the helicopter is not needed for disaster relief, only at that time can it be used for taking travelers (who are not disaster affected) from Dharchula to Gunji and for this the fare of Rs 2500 + GST can be charged from the passengers. This fare has been fixed only for non-rescue flights. But, helicopter will not be used for ordinary passengers, if needed for disaster rescue operations. No money will be taken from the disaster affected locals rescued by chopper.