Pics: Uttarakhand kicks back to life in a race against time

Dehradun, Sept 23: Uttarakhand is still a dilapidated picture of the once thriving temple town, bodies are still being pulled out and the stench is not gone yet. But what has continued to bolster the courage of the people here is the spirit of Uttarakhand. Precisely why it has risen from the ashes and has already begun its new journey.

A step toward the Hemkund Sahib

After news of the first batch of pilgrims travelling to the Hembkund Sahib in Garhwal Himalayas, there was a sense of relief that Uttarakhand was not lost afterall. The pilgrimage resumed on September 21 when Sikhs from all parts of the country grouped in Govindghat.

The three-month anxious wait was too much not only for the pilgrims for Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna too, who personally flagged off the pilgrims. Addressing a gathering at Govindghat, an elated CM said,"the blessings of "Wahe Guru" has made the resumption of the yatra to the shrine possible." He further added,"Yatras to Hemkund Sahib and Gangotri have resumed while pilgrimage to Kedarnath will start on October 1."

The resumption has been welcomed by the people of the pilgrim valley in many ways. After months of unemployment, the move will help in supporting the resurrection of Uttarakhand and also aide people in getting back their livelihood from tourism.

With the trek route to the Hemkund Sahib completely washed away by the deluge, the shrine trust had a huge contribution in rebuilding the entire 6 kilometer stretch. "The yatra to Hemkund Sahib suspended since June 16 natural calamity was resumed at 9 am," said the vice chairman of Shri Hemkund Sahib Management Trust Narendrajit Singh Bindra.

Kedarnath is not going to be fully functional before one year

Agencies pooling in

While various governments have offered their help to Uttarakhand, non-profitable organizations have also contributed in their own small ways. For instance, an NGO Sanjay Bhavsar of Vishwgram from Gujarat is coordinating relief efforts and is providing rehabilitation to flood victims by providing vocational training.

With Sulabh Help Program, launched by the NGO Sulabh, the agency adopts flood-ravaged villages and oversees the rehabilitation of women who were left widowed by the flood.

A number of start-ups have also come together in a venture called 'Rebuild Uttarakhand' and taken up various causes varying relief, rehabilitation, rebuilding, reconstruction, employment and more.

In Govindghat

Sikh pilgrims leave for Hemkunt Saheb Yatra that was flagged off by Uttarakhand CM Vijay Bahuguna in Govindghat on Saturday after the recent flood disaster.

In Govindghat

Uttarakhand CM Vijay Bahuguna presenting 'Shiropa' to Sikh pilgrims during flagging off of the Hemkunt Saheb Yatra in Govindghat on Saturday after the recent flood disaster.

In Govindghat

Pilgrims leave for Hemkunt Saheb Yatra that was flagged off by Uttarakhand CM Vijay Bahuguna in Govindghat on Saturday after the recent flood disaster.

In Haridwar

Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik creating a sand sculpture of Lord Shiva with a a message "Save Ganga" in Haridwar, Uttarakhand.

In Kedarnath

Priests along with temple committee members perform prayers at the Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand on Wednesday. The prayers resumed at the temple on Wednesday after 86 days following devastating floods and land slides.

In New Delhi

Underprivileged children and dancers perform during an event to raise fund for Uttarakhand flood victims, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

In Dehradun

Founder of NGO Sulabh International, Bindeshwar Pathak with widows and families affected in Uttarakhand floods during the launch of "Sulabh-Help programme" for affected families of Deoli Gramsabha in Dehradun on Thursday.

In Dehradun

Founder of NGO Sulabh International,Bindeshwar Pathak with widows and families affected in Uttarakhand floods during the launch of "Sulabh-Help programme" for affected families of Deoli Gramsabha in Dehradun.