Haridwar ashram launches 'Project Hope' in rain-hit Uttarakhand

DEHRADUN: A Haridwar-based ashram has started a campaign for rescuing pilgrims stranded in Badrinath dham and rehabilitating areas near Kedarnath shrine which have suffered extensive damage in the deluge.

Paramarth Niketan Ashram chief Swami Chidanand Saraswati launched ' Project Hope' by flagging off a fleet of 25 buses containing blankets, food and medicines to the affected areas from where they will ferry survivors to Rishikesh on their way back.

"We are providing train and bus tickets to all those without means of returning home and we are working with the Railway Ministry and the state government to provide free train and bus transport back to their cities and villages," an Ashram spokesman said.

The organisation will also take up reconstruction of damaged villages like Rambada on way to Kedarnath shrine besides taking care of those orphaned or widowed in the tragedy, the spokesman said.

Reconstruction will be done in eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable ways to prevent such tragedies in future, he said.