In pics: Rescue, tragedy & honour in Uttarakhand

Joshimath (Uttarakhand), June 29: Weather conditions improved here on Saturday morning, which saw resumption of air operations. The administration hopes to wind up the rescue mission by the end of today, although the fact that 2,000 people are still stranded in upper parts of the flood-hit state is still a challenge that the government has to overcome.

Seventeen helicopters took off to rescue the stranded people.The focus is now on Badrinath Dhaam area.

Defence forces have deployed around 50 helciospters and over 8,000 troops in the state to quicken the final leg of the rescue operation. The Jindal Group has also sent three helicopters for the rescue mission in Joshimath. News reports said the stranded pilgrims in Badrinath are being brought back with the help of a newly laid foot track in Govindghat valley.

The road from Joshimath to Govindghat has also been relaid, they added. The Harsil sector was completely evacuated.

Meanwhile, cremation of bodies were continuing in Kedarnath. Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, who visited the state for the second time after the disaster on Friday, said all-out efforts will be made to locate those still buried under the debris or went missing.

Shinde arrived in the state to attend the funeral ceremony of the 20 bravehearts who were killed after a rescue helicopter crashed in Gaurikund on Tuesday.Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh was also here on Friday.

However, the shortage of food supplies in several villages that were completely alienated and the rising water level in Bhagirathi posed new threats to the authorities.

Paying tributes to bravehearts

Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde flanked by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna and Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh pay tributes to bravehearts who were killed in Tuesday's helicopter crash in Uttarakhand, at a ceremony in Dehradun.

Paying tributes to bravehearts

IAF personnel with the body of Flight Lt K Parveen, who died in the recent helicopter crash in Uttarakhand, after it was brought at the Hindon air base.

Paying tributes to bravehearts

Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne pays tributes to IAF martyrs, who died in the recent helicopter crash in Uttarakhand, after their bodies were brought at the Hindon Air Base.

Consoling family members of bravehearts

IAF chief Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne consoles the family members of one of IAF martyrs, who died in the recent helicopter crash in Uttarakhand.

Remembering the bravehearts

IAF personnel carry the body of Flight Lt Tapan Kapoor, who died in the recent helicopter crash in Uttarakhand, during his funeral ceremony in New Delhi.

Meeting the heroes

Army Chief General Bikram Singh meets ITBP jawans at Gauchar Airport during his day-long visit to flood affected areas in Uttrakhand.

Rescue operations on

ITBP jawans carry a flood victim to safety near Badrinath in Uttarakhand.

Rescue operations on

ITBP jawans rescue a flood victim near Badrinath in Uttarakhand.

Rescue operations on

An ITBP jawan rescues a flood victim near Badrinath in Uttarakhand.

Rescue operations on

An ITBP jawan helps flood victims get out from flood-affected areas near Badrinath.

Flying back to safety

Pilgrims inside a rescue aircraft at Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.

Inconsolable loss

Bereaved family members of Flight Lt Tapan Kapoor, who died in the recent helicopter crash in Uttarakhand, at his cremation at Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi.

Still missing

People look at portraits of missing pilgrims pasted on a gate of Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.

Rescue operations on

Soldiers rescue pilgrims at Joshimath.

The final farewell

Family members of Flight Lt Tapan Kapoor, who died in the recent helicopter crash in Uttarakhand, at his funeral ceremony in New Delhi.

Cheque for Uttarakhand CM's relief fund

Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal receives a cheque for Uttarakhand CM's relief fund from Chairman and Managing Director, Coal India Ltd, S Narsing Rao.

Bravehearts return

Bodies of bravehearts who were killed in Tuesday's helicopter crash in Uttarakhand being brought from Dehradun.

Final farewell

Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna, Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh and soldiers offer a guard of honour to bravehearts who were killed in Tuesday's helicopter crash in Uttarakhand in Dehradun.

ITBP personnel who were onboard Indian Air Force

6 ITBP personnel who were onboard Indian Air Force (IAF) Mi-17 V5 helicopter that crashed at Gaurikund during rescue work in flood-hit Uttarakhand on Tuesday.

OneIndia News