SC pushes rescue ops,seeks report

We direct as an interim measure that all stranded people must be provided immediate relief by the state and district authorities by giving them food,medicines and other essential things,including fuel, ordered the bench. It directed the central government and the National Disaster Management Authority to provide all necessary assistance to the Uttarakhand government so that the losses could be minimised with coordinated approach.

Admitting a PIL by advocate Ajay Bansal,the bench also asked the authorities at the Centre and in the state to deploy sufficient number of helicopters to rescue flood-affected people in the area. We also direct,depending on the availability of helicopters,sufficient number of helicopters be deployed for picking up the stranded persons, said the court.

The court also cautioned against any kind of discrimination in rescuing people,saying authorities should not discriminate among the affected people in relief and rehabilitation operations.