Punjab hires pvt chopper to airlift pilgrims stuck at Hemkund

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Government has hired a private helicopter to airlift pilgrims stuck at Sri Hemkund Sahib and its surrounding areas due to road blockades following flash floods.

This was informed by Chief Minister's office spokesperson here today.

The state government has also constituted a four-member team of senior officers that has already left for Dehradun to monitor the ongoing rescue operation to ensure safe return of Sikh pilgrims trapped at Sri Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, he said.

Meanwhile, a report from Patiala said Union Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur today urged Defence Minister A K Anthony to send IAF helicopters for rescuing stranded pilgrims in Uttrakhand.

"I have urged the Defence Minister to send air force choppers for rescue workers as these having bigger space can evacuate more pilgrims in one trip," she said.