Army to open alternative route to Kedarnath

Sources said the alternative route is under construction and would shortly open a foot path to the temple area that will enable relief teams to carry supplies up the mountains for disposal of bodies as well as excavation. While the focus has shifted to identification of bodies as all stranded persons have been evacuated,there has been little effort to rescue animals stuck in the valley. We had set up a veterinary camp after receiving requests to treat mules and livestock. This has now been winded up after treatment was given to several injured animals, an Army officer said.

There have been private efforts to rescue animals but hundreds are still believed to be stuck in the mountains as landslides have washed away the routes.