A group pilgrims from Gujarat who were caught in cyclone Fani while visiting temple-town Puri in Odisha were given temporary shelter at Raipur.
The group thanked Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel for his sensitivity and assistance.
Sources said as soon as Baghel received information that 153 pilgrims from Gujarat who were caught in the cyclone at Puri were reaching Raipur, he directed Raipur district administration and Raipur Municipal Corporation to ensure all assistance to them including medical checkup.
Raipur Mayor Pramod Dubey called them and enquired about their status.
The district administration arranged their stay at Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium. They were also provided snacks and food.
A four-member team of doctors also conducted health check up of all the pilgrims and provided free medicines.
CM has already announced Rs 11 crore for relief works in Odisha.
The pilgrims during interactions with media said, “They are from Jamnagar and nearby areas. They had gone for pilgrimage to Puri-Gangasagar on April 17. They had all gone to Gangasagar leaving their luggage at Puri.”
There were no bus or train services in the aftermath of cyclone Fani. But somehow they managed to reach Raipur in different batches between 12.00 midnight and 6.00 am.
One of the pilgrims Tulsi Bhai Parmar said, “For the last three days they survived without drinking water.”
Nanda Ben, another pilgrim, said they have not taken bath for last four days. Shanta Ben Rathore said they had been surviving on dry snacks, such as biscuits which they had for emergency.
They said: “Chief Minister had made adequate arrangement for our stay, food and medicine. For our return, special coaches were also provided. We can now return happily.”
Two special train coaches were attached with Porbandar Santragachi Kavi Guru Express for their return during afternoon.
District administration informed that another batch of pilgrims from Gujarat is expected to reach Raipur during night hours. All arrangements for their stay, food and medical assistance as well as their return have been made.