Chennai/Dehradun— In a coordinated rescue operation, the Tamil Nadu government successfully facilitated the rescue of 30 Tamil pilgrims who were stranded in Uttarakhand due to adverse weather conditions. The pilgrims, who were on a religious tour to the Char Dham Yatra, were left stranded following heavy rainfall and landslides in the region.
Adverse Weather Conditions in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand, known for its treacherous terrains and unpredictable weather, has been experiencing intense monsoon rains, leading to landslides and road blockages in various parts of the state. Several tourists and pilgrims, including those from Tamil Nadu, were caught in these natural disruptions.
The group of 30 Tamil pilgrims, who were traveling to the holy shrines in the Char Dham circuit, found themselves unable to proceed further due to the washed-out roads and unsafe conditions caused by the heavy rainfall.
Tamil Nadu Government’s Swift Action
As soon as news of the stranded pilgrims reached the Tamil Nadu authorities, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin directed the state administration to work in coordination with the Uttarakhand government to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims.
The Tamil Nadu Disaster Management Department immediately established contact with its counterpart in Uttarakhand, as well as local officials, to facilitate the rescue and safe evacuation of the pilgrims. A dedicated team from Tamil Nadu was sent to Dehradun to monitor the situation and provide on-ground support.
Assistance Provided
The Tamil Nadu government ensured that the stranded pilgrims were provided with food, water, and medical assistance during their ordeal. Arrangements were made to relocate them to safer locations until the weather cleared and travel routes were reopened. The pilgrims were later moved to temporary shelters organized by the Uttarakhand authorities and local relief teams.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, in a statement, reassured the families of the pilgrims, saying, “The safety of our people is our utmost priority. We are in constant touch with the officials in Uttarakhand and are making every effort to bring our pilgrims home safely.”
Pilgrims’ Return Arranged
After ensuring that the pilgrims were safe and cared for, the Tamil Nadu government made arrangements for their return journey. Special buses and transport were arranged to facilitate their safe return to Tamil Nadu as soon as the roads were cleared. Additionally, a helpline was set up for the families of the pilgrims to receive updates on their loved ones.
Coordination Between States
The successful rescue operation was a result of the strong coordination between the Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand governments. Both states worked together to navigate the challenges posed by the difficult terrain and inclement weather. The local disaster response teams in Uttarakhand, along with Tamil Nadu officials, played a key role in ensuring that the pilgrims received timely assistance.
Gratitude Expressed by Pilgrims
The rescued pilgrims expressed their gratitude to the Tamil Nadu government and Chief Minister Stalin for their prompt response. One of the rescued pilgrims said, “We were terrified and stranded in a dangerous situation. The swift response of the Tamil Nadu government saved our lives. We are thankful to CM Stalin for looking after us.
