Andhra Pradesh Government has stepped up relief and rehabilitation work to help thousands of pilgrims stranded in Uttarakhand.
Over 1100 people stuck at the recent flash floods in Uttarakhand have been stationed at AP Bhavan in New Delhi and about 800 others are on their way to Hyderabad, including 636 who are reaching Hyderabad by train from New Delhi.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy reviewed the rescue and relief measures taken up for the victims of Uttarakhand floods from Andhra Pradesh.
He directed the State Chief Secretary and senior officials to be in constant touch and monitor the operations to bring back all stranded tourists and pilgrims safely.
Union Minister of State for Social Justice Balaram Naik, State Ministers Danam Nagender and D. Sridhar Babu are monitoring the situation and communicating the status to the Chief Minister.
Those returning from New Delhi belong to various parts of the State. More similar trips will be organised by Sunday.
The Government has set up round the clock control rooms in State Secretariat, Hyderabad, at all District Headquarters, A.P. Bhavan, New Delhi and Dehra Dun and Haridwar.
Two IAS officers, Commissioner, Disaster Management, T. Radha and Member-Secretary, A.P. Pollution Control Board, Sanjay Kumar, were deputed.
Union Minister of State for Social Justice Balram Naik and State Ministers Danam Nagender and D Sridhar Babu are monitoring the situation.
Two relief teams from A.P. Bhavan, one at Dehradun and one at Hardwar are continuously following up developments and helping in rescue and relief works.
On the Chief Minister's instructions, free food, accommodation, other facilities and round-the-clock medical check up are being provided at A.P. Bhavan, Delhi and TTD Kalyana Mandapam, Rishikesh.
Twenty-three helicopters are in operation to carry out the rescue and relief operations. Free transport like trains and buses are being provided as required to the affected pilgrims and tourists.
Resources from ITBP, NDRF and Armed Forces are deployed for rescue and relief operations at all affected places.