Maha first to reach out to victims: Bhujbal

Maharashtra is the first state to reach out to those facing the nature’s fury in Uttrakhand, after the Uttrakhand government and the Centre, said Maharashtra Public Works Department (PWD) and guardian minister for Nashik, Chhagan Bhujbal.

Speaking to the media, Bhujbal said, “Arrangements for safe return of the pilgrims from Maharashtra are being made.”

The minister attended meeting with the district administration regarding preparedness for disaster management in the district if needed.

“Maharashtra was the first state after the Centre and Uttrakhand to establish contact with officials there. Officials from Maharashtra Sadan in Uttarakhand ensured arrangements for pilgrims from the state. We were the first ones to set up a help cell and medical aid centre at Dehradun and have also sent emissaries from Maharashtra. We have also given Rs 10 crore for relief”, the minister said.

Efforts have been made to contact people from Maharashtra and while most of them have been traced to safety, efforts are still on for the others, he stated.

Indirectly commenting on Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the region, Bhujbal said, “The situation in very critical. The army, air force along with the Uttrakhand government are working relentlessly to evacuate people from unreachable areas. It is not wise for any ministers or dignitaries to visit the calamity area as such visits will only hinder the work. “Maha first to reach out to victims: Bhujbal