dna special: Disaster tourism takes toll

Of the 16 civilian helicopters that Uttarakhand pressed into service to expedite rescue operations, just five were available to evacuate pilgrims. The remaining 11 choppers were busy ferrying politicians visiting the state to register their presence, in effect indulging in ‘disaster tourism’. This is despite the fact that inclement weather has been predicted from Sunday onwards, giving rescue agencies a tiny window to evacuate as many pilgrims, of the over 30,000 stuck, as possible.

Nearly 72 helicopters have been ferrying pilgrims and victims after floods and landslides washed away several towns and villages in Uttarakhand last weekend. Uttarakhand CM Vijay Bahuguna had hinted VVIPs to keep away from the affected areas because of the few airstrips in the state.  “We have been receiving hundreds of calls for chopper assistance from various agencies involved in the rescue and relief operation. But with a paucity of helipads and the series of VVIP visits, our primary operation is being affected,” said a state government official, involved in the rescue and relief operation, on condition of anonymity.

On Saturday, as Dehradun’s Jolly Grant airport saw clear weather, VVIPs made a beeline for the disaster-hit state to undertake ‘aerial surveys’. As many as nine politicians flew in and out of the state from 8am until 4pm. Union home minister Shushil Kumar Shinde was the first one to do so, followed by colleague water resource minister Harish Rawat. The only leader to actually heed Bahuguna’s advice was Goa chief minister Manohar Parikkar, who voluntary withdrew, saying his visit would affect relief operations.